12 Cheap & Easy resolutions for the new year

Published on Thu Dec 2 2021 in Lifestyle

A new year is almost here, and many Kiwis are already setting their resolutions. January seems like the perfect time to start good habits or learn something new. However, these good intentions sometimes come with big price tags that either put them out of reach or make them too hard to keep for an entire year.

Choosing a New Year’s resolution doesn’t always need to be expensive, though. Small, cheap changes to your normal routine could bring about big results on a budget. Here are 12 cheap resolutions to help inspire a new you:

1. Drink more water

Water is probably the healthiest way to stay hydrated. Unlike soft drink and fruit juice, it’s not full of sugar or other unhealthy ingredients. It’s also zero kilojoules, so it won’t sneakily add centimetres to your waistline either! Speak with your GP to learn how much water you should be drinking every day.

Cost: $10 to $30 for a reusable bottle that can be filled from the tap or drinking fountains.

2. Take more steps

How many steps do you take each day? Whether you’re aiming for 10,000 steps or just want to move more, walking is a great exercise for most fitness levels. Increasing the number of steps you take could help you work up to harder exercises, or at least get you off the couch!

Cost: $0 to $40. Most smartphones already have built-in apps that can track your steps for free. However, you can download special ones to also track other info, like your heart rate.

3. Quit smoking

You probably know that smoking is bad for your health, but a reminder never hurts. Going smoke-free could help lower your risk for things like heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. It could also help improve your loved one’s lives and even your pet’s health too! 

Cost: $0. In fact, quitting could save you money. Not only will you no longer be buying cigarettes, but you could qualify for lower life insurance or funeral insurance premiums, too.

4. Read more

Think of reading as exercise for your mind. Our brains work harder when we read, which is good for improving concentration, building emotional intelligence and maybe even keeping the brain healthier as we age. This can include more than just books—reading the daily newspaper or magazines may also help. 

Cost: $0, if you use the local library. Starting a book swap with friends or a social group could also help you reach your reading goals.

5. Volunteer in your community

Helping others may be enough reason to give back to your community, but there could be something in it for you as well. Volunteering might be good for your mental health and could help you live longer! Get in touch with your favourite charity or contact the local council for ways to lend a hand.

Cost: $0, but you could get so much back in return!

6. Prioritise mental health

Mental health is just as important as diet and exercise, but it’s often overlooked. Guided meditation or exercises such as yoga (which encourages you to focus on your breath) could help you manage everyday stress and anxiety. However, if you’re experiencing more serious stress or mental health issues, check in with your GP as well. 

Cost: $0. There are plenty of free apps and online videos that can help guide you through some beginner meditations, mindfulness exercises or simple yoga flows.

7. Spend more time with family

More family time could be a great way to reconnect with those who mean the most to us. Weekly family dinners, afternoon tea at the shops, inviting grandparents to weekend sport or planning a special family holiday are ways to squeeze more family time into the year.

Cost: $0 to $20. Visits and conversation are free! Need an excuse to bring everyone together? Host a potluck dinner to feed everyone on a budget.

8. Eat your leftovers

Throwing out uneaten food is like tossing money in the bin. Every year, the average Kiwi family wastes almost $600 by throwing out leftovers, letting food spoil or misreading use-by dates. There’s probably room for improvement in your own kitchen! Shopping smarter and resolving to eat those leftovers could help.

Cost: $0. You might even save money by packing leftovers for lunch instead of eating out.

9. Compost food scraps

Eating leftovers is great, but you’re still likely to have some food waste at the end of the week. Tossing these scraps in the bin sends them to the landfill, where they’ll create more greenhouse gases instead of breaking down naturally. Instead, try composting or setting up a bokashi bin so they can feed your garden.

Cost: Around $50. You may need a bin and shovel to get started, or bokashi grain to start composting indoors. 

10. Declutter your home

Is your home full of stuff that no longer “sparks joy”? The new year is a great time to clean out your closest, drawers and cupboards. Getting rid of unused or broken items could make your home look neater and feel more organised. You might be surprised at how this affects your mind and how you view your home afterwards!

Cost: $0, but you could make money by selling unwanted items at a yard sale or online.

11. Ban electronics at bedtime

Scrolling through social media in bed may be why you feel so tired. Blue light given off by screens (think smartphones, tablets, computers and TVs) can mess with the natural body clock and make it harder to get the quality sleep the body needs. Switching off at least an hour before bedtime could create a more calming sleep routine.

Cost: $0. Just switch off your screens at least an hour before bed!

12. Make & stick to a budget

Knowing how much money you have and where you’re spending it is important. A budget could help you stay on top of the bills and it might make it easier to reach your savings goals. Creating a new budget (or reviewing your current one) may be a good way to start the new year.

Cost: $0, but combing through your finances might help you find areas where you could save.

Keeping your resolutions isn’t impossible! Try these 7 ways to make New Year’s resolutions stick for more chance at success! 

 

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About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.

 

The content provided in this article is for information purposes only. The information is of a general nature and does not constitute financial advice or other professional advice. To the extent that any of the content constitutes financial advice, it is limited to Momentum Life products only and does not consider your specific financial needs or goals. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for you and seek independent professional advice, if required.

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