New year’s thinking to act upon

With the new year here, you may be ready for a fresh start when it comes to your finances. Why not make 2019 your money year? It’s a great time to set some goals concerning your financial health. You can call them New Year’s resolutions, but really, they’re lifestyle changes.

If you look back over the past year, you’d probably agree that you swiped that card a few too many times. You whipped out that wad of cash a bit too frequently. For 2019, that wad tightens immensely.

At Team Clark, we’re here for you. But let’s do more than tighten our money belts. Let’s stretch them. Here are some New Year’s resolutions for the money-minded that will make a difference immediately:

1. Start a reserve fund

If you haven’t already, you need to start an emergency fund. We live in uncertain times where basically anything can happen. Start putting away something, even a little bit, each and every pay period. Here’s a savings plan for the new year.

2. Use your tax return as a savings fund

In line to get a bunch of money come tax time? Don’t look at that money as a windfall to be used all in one place. For the new year, why not earmark part of it for a savings fund? Make a goal based on an amount you can spare and stick to it.

3. Go to the doctor/ dentist

One way many of us try to save on money is by foregoing our routine visits to the physician or dentist, but that could cost us more in the long run. You may think you’re saving money, but not following up on that checkup your doctor ordered, it may cost you way more money — or more — if you don’t get the treatment ordered for you. This year, make it a goal to get your teeth cleaned regularly and try not to skip any of your doctor’s visit.

4. Buy in bulk

Want to save some serious coin for 2019? Make it your business to buy in bulk. Not only will you save gas from having to run to the store much less frequently, but you’ll

get a significant discount by buying a large quantity of the item you need. Make this year, the year you bulk up!

5. Freeze your credit

If you’re addicted to retail and have a habit of getting new credit cards to splurge, freeze your credit. Not only will a freeze protect you from identity theft, but it will offer a roadblock to any new lines of credit you try to open up on a whim.