I have four accounts, if you don't include student loan accounts:
1. Joint checking account
2. Fun money account
3. ING Savings Account (several sub-accounts, but I don't count them because I can check them all at the same time)
4. Mileage rewards credit card that we pay off every month.
Simplifying our accounts has definitely made my life easier, as the primary budget person in my family.
Although these are all good suggestions, it's best to focus on only ONE new thing at a time. That way, you don't diffuse your energy and focus on 25 different things; you only have to focus and remember 1 thing.
Resolutions typically fail because of 3 things:
-->lack of motivation
-->lack of focus
-->lack of structure
The trick is to focus on only ONE new change, and to make sure it's a change that you're excited about and completely preoccupied with. Let yourself obsess about it. Think about all the benefits, and get excited about the rewards of achieving your goal.
Now that you've lit the fire, you can work out how to ensure success. Start with small, easy steps toward your goal. Tasks that are ridiculously easy. Do them and reward yourself for taking those actions. You can add more structure by holding yourself publicly accountable (via Facebook, Twitter, or sites like Stickk.com). Build in "triggers" that remind you to do your new habit. Structure your day to make it impossible to NOT move forward toward your goal.
We just moved in to our new home and have set up our new budget for the year. I am very excited to see how the changes we made will impact our savings goals.
Well said, Rob. I continue to be amazed at people who believe that the only answer to healthcare reform is to have insurance. It is like we have been programmed to believe that to be the case.
Dealing with the paperwork alone from healthcare issues can be incredibly time consuming (aside from the expense of insurance). If anyone believes healthcare reform will make it easier to navigate the system, they are in for a shock.
My boyfriend and I are going away for a 5 day vacation to Sanibel Island in the middle of February, when Ohio will likely be buried under ice and snow. I loathe winter, so this is going to be a much-needed getaway! By the time we get back, it will only be a month before the trees begin to bud and crocuses poke up through the snow. :-)
Insurance: Legal minimum, yes. Anything more, no. Why? Two reasons:
1. Insurance companies have worked hard to create a social stigma around the uninsured. It is through posts like this one that an aura of irresponsibility is linked to those who refuse to buy health insurance and support the system. Yet we all agree that the system is profoundly broken. Each and every person who buys insurance is in some small way allowing that broken system to exist. They are enablers. If we all stopped buying the poison product, things would have to change.
2. Insurance companies are extremely good at calculating risk. Extremely good. They calculate the actual risk-cost of insuring you then tack on administrative, advertising, and broker fees to the policy. If you buy extra insurance, say comprehensive coverage on your car, you are essentially betting that you are a worse driver than they believe you are. It is a legitimate option to drive more carefully than the average person your age and assume the risk yourself.
I wrote about this over at my own blog, mainly because I had a lot of friends who were caught up in the hype of having a new year's resolution (and asking me what I was going to do this year). I agree with you to some extent, of course - because I believe that a lot of the new year's resolutions aren't founded in any real reality. Those that actually work on their resolutions should be doing it all year instead of a prescribed time set forth by the media.
Thank you for this article. :) It makes me feel good to know that there are others who share my opinions.
I can't comment on whether SLS kills lice. But I can say that SLS is much more than a lathering agent. It is a detergent/surfactant. There are rumors on the Internet that it causes cancer, but these claims have no scientific backing. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a skin irritant, and there are much gentler cleansing agents, such as sodium laureth sulfate, but that does not mean sodium lauryl sulfate is dangerous. Many synthetic cleansing agents are actually more gentle than traditional soap (which are made with lye and animal or plant fats).
I completely agree. Not too sure that boiling a plastic bottle is completely safe. I've heard of instances where reusing the same plastic bottle over and over leads to cancer....who knows if it's true. But if I can avoid it, I will.
In the city there's no such thing as a big kitchen. I love to cook, and these are excellent suggestions. Sometimes I think that others tend not to cook because their kitchen is seemingly too small, but as you pointed out there are many ways around that. Thanks for sharing.
Great Article. But you are right - I like fruitcake, but I am Canadian - eh! =)
I have four accounts, if you don't include student loan accounts:
1. Joint checking account
2. Fun money account
3. ING Savings Account (several sub-accounts, but I don't count them because I can check them all at the same time)
4. Mileage rewards credit card that we pay off every month.
Simplifying our accounts has definitely made my life easier, as the primary budget person in my family.
Although these are all good suggestions, it's best to focus on only ONE new thing at a time. That way, you don't diffuse your energy and focus on 25 different things; you only have to focus and remember 1 thing.
Resolutions typically fail because of 3 things:
-->lack of motivation
-->lack of focus
-->lack of structure
The trick is to focus on only ONE new change, and to make sure it's a change that you're excited about and completely preoccupied with. Let yourself obsess about it. Think about all the benefits, and get excited about the rewards of achieving your goal.
Now that you've lit the fire, you can work out how to ensure success. Start with small, easy steps toward your goal. Tasks that are ridiculously easy. Do them and reward yourself for taking those actions. You can add more structure by holding yourself publicly accountable (via Facebook, Twitter, or sites like Stickk.com). Build in "triggers" that remind you to do your new habit. Structure your day to make it impossible to NOT move forward toward your goal.
Greg Miliates
http://www.StartMyConsultingBusiness.com
I'm looking forward to a healthier year. And hopefully paying off the medical bills from the past year and a half.
We just moved in to our new home and have set up our new budget for the year. I am very excited to see how the changes we made will impact our savings goals.
I also "Like" Wise Bread on FB! :)
I'm most looking forward to paying off my debt in 2012! :) Woo hooo!!
In 2012, i'm most looking forward to getting down to my run, jump, an play with my 5yo daughter weight!!!!
You are welcome! :)
Well said, Rob. I continue to be amazed at people who believe that the only answer to healthcare reform is to have insurance. It is like we have been programmed to believe that to be the case.
Dealing with the paperwork alone from healthcare issues can be incredibly time consuming (aside from the expense of insurance). If anyone believes healthcare reform will make it easier to navigate the system, they are in for a shock.
We pessimists need to stick together!
My boyfriend and I are going away for a 5 day vacation to Sanibel Island in the middle of February, when Ohio will likely be buried under ice and snow. I loathe winter, so this is going to be a much-needed getaway! By the time we get back, it will only be a month before the trees begin to bud and crocuses poke up through the snow. :-)
I will have our student loans totally paid off by December 2012 and will be out of debt except for the house!
I like you on Facebook!
I'm looking forward to improving my personal financial situation - saving, and paying down debt!
I really can't imagine anything I'm looking forward to in 2012. 2013, on the other hand, is my projected university graduation.
Insurance: Legal minimum, yes. Anything more, no. Why? Two reasons:
1. Insurance companies have worked hard to create a social stigma around the uninsured. It is through posts like this one that an aura of irresponsibility is linked to those who refuse to buy health insurance and support the system. Yet we all agree that the system is profoundly broken. Each and every person who buys insurance is in some small way allowing that broken system to exist. They are enablers. If we all stopped buying the poison product, things would have to change.
2. Insurance companies are extremely good at calculating risk. Extremely good. They calculate the actual risk-cost of insuring you then tack on administrative, advertising, and broker fees to the policy. If you buy extra insurance, say comprehensive coverage on your car, you are essentially betting that you are a worse driver than they believe you are. It is a legitimate option to drive more carefully than the average person your age and assume the risk yourself.
Self-insurance is an option.
Thanks so much for mentioning our article Ashley!
I wrote about this over at my own blog, mainly because I had a lot of friends who were caught up in the hype of having a new year's resolution (and asking me what I was going to do this year). I agree with you to some extent, of course - because I believe that a lot of the new year's resolutions aren't founded in any real reality. Those that actually work on their resolutions should be doing it all year instead of a prescribed time set forth by the media.
Thank you for this article. :) It makes me feel good to know that there are others who share my opinions.
Vag,
You can go by smell, or just use a sugar wash and not have any.
Yea late fees are a killer. You need to know exactly your credit card dates.
For me on one its statement date is on the 4th, has to be paid by the 28th of the following month
Other its the 11th, payment due by the 5th of the month (2 months ahead)
Credit cards are great for the cash abundant person. However if you are not prudent with paying off your bills, tear up your credit cards..
I can't comment on whether SLS kills lice. But I can say that SLS is much more than a lathering agent. It is a detergent/surfactant. There are rumors on the Internet that it causes cancer, but these claims have no scientific backing. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a skin irritant, and there are much gentler cleansing agents, such as sodium laureth sulfate, but that does not mean sodium lauryl sulfate is dangerous. Many synthetic cleansing agents are actually more gentle than traditional soap (which are made with lye and animal or plant fats).
I am most looking forward to graduating college. Hopefully there will be a job for me when I'm done.
I completely agree. Not too sure that boiling a plastic bottle is completely safe. I've heard of instances where reusing the same plastic bottle over and over leads to cancer....who knows if it's true. But if I can avoid it, I will.
In the city there's no such thing as a big kitchen. I love to cook, and these are excellent suggestions. Sometimes I think that others tend not to cook because their kitchen is seemingly too small, but as you pointed out there are many ways around that. Thanks for sharing.