Columnists, COLUMNS--FEATURE SPOT, Features, Lifestyles, Opinion, Z - TOP HOME
 By  Staff Reports Published 
3:12 pm Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Kick off financial resolutions with these tips

FRANKLIN LIVING NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022—

The end of the year brings on all kinds of resolutions. As exciting as the holidays are, this is typically the time of year most of us overspend; thus, at the year’s end, we have a mindset for making changes in our financial life.

Making an actual plan is the key to success. It’s easy to say you want to work on your finances only to end up in the same place this time next year. Making a real plan and setting actionable steps, however, will help get you to your goal.

First, you have to ask yourself, “What do I want to achieve?” Save more? Spend less? Reduce debt? Establish this goal first and foremost, then start laying out the actionable steps that make the most sense.

Here are five tips to help you get started, stay on track, be more money-minded and help get you to your financial finish line:

  1. Keep in mind some money goals take longer than others. Maybe you have long-term goals like saving for retirement, paying off student debt or buying a vacation home. Those can take a little longer than saving $10 here and there.
  2. Spend less money. Simple, right? Believe me, if it was, everyone would do it. No matter your goal, you’ll take money from one thing and put it into another. The hard part is not putting it toward short-term “fun stuff” – like eating out or shopping – but intentionally putting it toward your goals instead. Start by taking small steps you can manage, like not eating lunch out, then move on to larger savings goals, like saving a specific dollar amount by a certain date.
  3. Start following some financial gurus to learn about financially-healthy habits. Numerous blogs, podcasts and social media groups specialize in creating smart money habits; go follow some. Seeing those notions in your newsfeed will keep your goals front of mind.
  4. Believe in the budget! Whether you use an app or simply old-fashioned pen and paper, laying out your budget is a cornerstone to any financial resolution you’ve planned.
  5. Set yourself up for success by having an open mind as you start. Financial changes aren’t all or nothing; like any health plan, they take time to fine tune. So have patience and grace when mistakes happen and hit the reset button as often as you need to get back on track.
Also on Franklin County Times
Russellville Hospital celebrates 50 years of care
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 22, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — Russellville Hospital marked 50 years of service with a celebration Friday honoring its history, staff and continued commitment to cari...
Conduct policy set for youth sports
Main, News, Red Bay
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 22, 2025
RED BAY — City leaders have adopted new behavior standards for youth sports, approving a policy that outlines how coaches, parents and spectators are ...
Derrick: Spend the moments you have with your family
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 22, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — In August 2018, Marcy Derrick learned she had breast cancer. She works as a buyer in manufacturing, sourcing parts and supplies to keep...
East Franklin Junior High holds fall festival
News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 22, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL -- East Franklin Junior High celebrated fall with its annual fall festival. Activities included games, food, fun and prizes. Freshman El...
Truancy affects student success long-term
Columnists, Opinion
October 22, 2025
Behind every struggling student, there’s often a family that needs support. Truancy — unexcused absences from school — can range from occasional misse...
How we can address gun violence together
Columnists, Opinion
October 22, 2025
As Montgomery continues to process the recent gun violence tragedy and many offer their thoughts and prayers, as a state lawmaker, I want to contribut...
October is optimal time to get flu vaccine
News, Russellville
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
October 22, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — Flu shots are expected to be available in abundance, and this is the best time of the year to get them, officials said. “Flu shots shou...
Service dog helps mom manage dysautonomia
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
October 22, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — For years, Anna Mosley didn’t understand the complications she experienced. She fainted in middle school, often felt light-headed and f...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *