2020: Resolutions and Resources

Happy New Year Emerging Adults! We are officially in a new year AND new decade. If you’re like me, you always have a moment of reflection around this time to determine what new things you want to try and changes you would like to make within the following 12 months. Today, I’m going to share some resources I plan to use this year to accomplish some of my goals, and hopefully they can help you too!

Finances

In my opinion, saving a coin or two is never a bad idea. To help with my money saving goals, I am planning to begin the envelope method. Basically, you label envelopes to target the areas that you spend money in (ex. travel, groceries, entertainment, gas, etc.) and place a certain amount of money in each. During the week (or month), you are only allowed to spend what is in the envelope for the particular category. At the end of the week or month, anything extra can be rolled over into the next time period or transferred to your savings.

I am also a member of Bank of America, and have it set up to round any of debit transactions to the nearest dollar amount, and the change goes into my savings account. Other digital options that are very similar are Acorns and Digit. I have experience with both, and they save you money by offering the same concept. You are literally saving without thinking about it!

Wardrobe

I absolutely love clothes and always thinking about what things I can add to spruce my wardrobe up. I’ve recently had to take a huge chunk of my clothes out of my personal closet because my clothes started to fit a little differently (aka not fit lol). To replace what I had to get rid of, I’ve been frequenting winter sales. These stores are practically giving these winter items away, meaning we are able to bulk up the closet for super cheap! Throughout the year, I also plan to visit my all time favorite, Goodwill, to find unique items for $3-$5 bucks (or maybe even cheaper if it’s the color of the week). If you’re looking to get rid of some clothes, check out Poshmark. It’s an easy way to make a couple of quick dollars, or buy some quality items for a low price. And while you’re at it, check out my Poshmark closet too 😊.

Health and Wellness

This is always the number 1 go to when it comes to the new year. Everyone is trying to lose 20 pounds or stop eating junk food. And I’m no different lol. To help me remain consistent in this journey, I am keeping my Planet Fitness membership. I am going 3-4 times a week with friends after work for at least an hour. I figured having somebody hold me accountable will make it easier to go. I also use my Apple Watch for motivation to move. It’s all about closing those circles! I also plan to try something new this year: yoga. I will be starting that very soon!

To eliminate eating out and eating the wrong foods, I am implementing meal prepping on a weekly basis. Not only is it a way to save money, it helps control what you eat and how much of it you eat. I will be using Pinterest to spark new ideas and recipes to try (click here to follow my Healthy Eating 2020 board). I also take my lunch to work every day, which eliminates the idea of buying food that I don’t need. I am also increasing my water intake; I am drinking at least half a gallon of water each day. I purchased my water bottle from Five Below. The bottle has markings to indicate the number of ounces, making it easy for me to drink up by the end of the day!

Religion

I have a goal to open my bible app everyday in 2020. To do so, I am completing bible plans with friends as well as by myself, which requires me to open the app everyday to complete the devotional. I will also be reading one book a month that will enhance my relationship with God. I find books to add to my library at Goodwill or Thriftbooks for $3 dollars or less. Of course, I will continue to go to weekly Sunday services on a consistent basis and increase my attendance at bible studies. It also helps to find a community of like-minded individuals to keep you encouraged and accountable!

What is one of your New Year Resolutions, and how do you plan to accomplish them? Let me know in the comments below!