Five questions to ask for a Happy New Year for you
In 2033, what might you say to the you of today? That’s the you who has launched into 2023 and all that it will bring – good, bad, and sometimes just meh.
Since we are all our greatest critics, it’s probably a good guess you’re thinking about the things you could do better and maybe beating yourself up over mistakes you’ve made. The Debtfix Crew think it would be great if we all started every day, not just each New Year, with positive goals to boost our confidence and to better manage our money.
Here are some questions you may like to ask yourself when thinking about the you of the future.
What do I think is important?
Only you know what matters most to you. When we feel stuck, it’s often because we don’t have a reason for getting out of bed in the morning.
Even when things aren’t going exactly how you’d like, what is the point of persevering? Is it:
Whānau
Good health
Home ownership
Making a difference to others
Education
Building a rainy-day nest egg
Travel
2. Do I earn enough money?
The world has changed a lot during the last couple of years, but it’s not the first time the economy has looked tragic, and it won’t be the last. If you can’t make ends meet, could you take action to increase your income? Is it possible to:
Ask the boss for a raise?
Take on a side hustle, for example, rent out a spare room in your home, get a part-time job, or sell writing, photography, graphic design services online?
Upskill so you’re worth more? For example, if you’re doing the accounts for a business could you train with New Zealand Qualified Bookkeepers Association and start your own business?
Look for a new job on Seek or Trade Me Jobs? Filter by the income you would like to be paid to achieve what’s important to you.
3. Do I spend money for the right reasons?
Remember we’re being positive here, so no beating yourself up over that last crazy purchase you made that you didn’t need. We’ve all done it.
If you think your spending sprees prevent you from achieving what is important could you:
Investigate if you’re buying stuff to make you happy?
Think of an alternative before spending? For example, buying a pet is a wonderful but costly long-term experience. Could you get your fix of cuddles by volunteering at an animal shelter?
Plan a diversion strategy? When you feel that temptation to shop distract yourself with something that doesn’t cost money. Go for a run, clean the bathroom, volunteer to help a friend, neighbour or community group with a task.
4. Who is helping or hindering me?
It is difficult to reflect on our relationships and friendships but if the people you hang out with are holding you back, could you move away from them? Could you:
Set boundaries that includes limiting the amount of money you give to others?
Stop spending to compete with your buddies? For example, could you genuinely enjoy them buying a flash thing, but not need to have one of those things yourself?
Take a leadership role with friends and encourage more affordable lifestyles? How about all contributing to shared meals, rather than going to cafes and restaurants?
Take complete control of your finances? You may need to take a bold move and open separate bank accounts from your partner.
If you are experiencing economic harm or financial abuse it is important you get help. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111 now.
5. Am I sweating the small stuff?
Worrying about money is very real and it can consume us all at different times in our lives. Often, we don’t talk to other people about our problems, especially our money or debt problems. Keeping difficulties to ourselves can mean something that is relatively small can blow out of proportion.
In 2023 could you:
Talk more openly with whānau, friends, and supportive organisations about money and debt?
Set some life goals that are measurable and achievable?
Stop listening to media if this is dragging you down?
Read a book or listen to podcasts about money, debt, and financial stability?
Undoubtedly 2023 will throw all of us some ups and downs. What is most important is how we respond to those changes and what we learn from them.
Contact the Debtfix Crew now for positive, non-judgemental and long-term solutions to problem debt.