Publishers Note: We had a great WGNS Rutherford Magazine Radio Show last Sunday evening. The show is heard live from 5-6pm via WGNS radio’s new antenna and aired on 100.5 fm, 1450am or online at WGNSradio.com. Happy 76th birthday to WGNS.
Our topic was New Year’s Resolutions and Goals for 2023.
I’m sure you set a few resolutions didn’t you?
I know I did—I just hope I can keep mine.
According to one study, an average of 44% of Americans make a New Year’s resolution before the night is over. Only 31% of people stick with the promises they made to themselves the prior year. A whopping 81% fail by February. The four most popular types of goals people set are to exercise, eat well, lose weight, and save money.
Many thanks to our guests Marty Lewis, owner of Farmer’s Insurance, Tony Hagelgans with Southeast Consulting, Matt Williamson, associate with Farmer’s Insurance, Jeremy Smithson, intern for the show and WGNS Producer Jackson Smith for another great show.
Click here to listen to The Rutherford Magazine Show Podcast.
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What are your New Year’s Resolutions?
Gaining clarity about your financial situation can help you make informed decisions about your money and develop a plan to achieve your financial goals. It’s also a good idea to review your budget regularly to ensure that you are on track and make any necessary adjustments.
- What is my current net worth?
- What are my income sources and how much do I make from each?
- What are my monthly expenses and how can I reduce them?
- Do I have any debts, and if so, what are the terms and interest rates?
- Do I have an emergency fund in place?
- What are my financial goals, both short-term and long-term?
Take some time to think about these questions and do some research if you need to. The goal is not to find the “right answer,” but to gain a better understanding of your financial situation and make informed decisions. Building this clarity can give you confidence and help you make progress towards your financial goals.
Got Goals?
If you don’t already have an emergency fund or retirement savings in place, it’s a good idea to prioritize those things. Once you’ve addressed those needs, consider making the following eight moves to achieve financial success in 2023:
Here are eight steps you can take to achieve financial success in 2023:
- Create a budget and stick to it: This will help you understand where your money is going and allow you to make adjustments to save more and spend less. Take a look at what your current expenses and what’s bing charged top your accounts. Do an overview of your insurance. Consider shopping around for a better rate. Refinance any loans at a lower rate or consider paying the current loan off and save the interest.
- Save for emergencies: It’s important to have an emergency fund in case something unexpected happens, such as a job loss or medical emergency. Aim to save enough money to cover at least six months’ worth of expenses.
- Pay off high-interest debt: If you have credit card debt or other high-interest loans, focus on paying those off as soon as possible to save money on interest in the long run.
- Invest in your future: Consider saving for retirement or other long-term financial goals. Even small contributions to a 401(k) or IRA can add up over time.
- Build your credit score: A good credit score can save you money on loans and help you qualify for better interest rates. Make sure to pay your bills on time and keep your balances low to improve your credit score.
- Learn about personal finance: The more you know about personal finance, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed financial decisions. Consider reading books, taking a class, or working with a financial advisor to improve your financial knowledge.
- Create multiple streams of income: Having multiple sources of income can help increase your financial stability and provide a buffer if one stream dries up. Consider starting a side hustle or investing in assets that generate passive income.
