So many money resolutions are ho-hum (pay off debt! make a budget! floss!). Here, a few fresh steps that will really turn your financial life around this year.
-
Spend time on your money. It's the most overlooked equation in personal finance: Time begets money. Invest an extra hour per week on your money this year, and you will be amazed (swear) at the returns.
- Learn daily. Spend five minutes a day boosting your financial IQ (hint: by reading DailyWorth, you're doing it). In one year—365 X 5 = 1,825 minutes—you will have racked up 30 hours of money smarts.
-
Snowball your goals. It's tempting to start 2010 by aiming for a big win. Instead, tackle small money goals now, and build momentum toward one or two big ones later in the year.
- Live for tomorrow. Researchers believe the brain is hardwired to value present gains—causing many people to shortchange their own futures. Aim to save 20% of your income this year, 1% at a time.
- Demand money that reflects your worth. Boosting women's earning power is a core DW mission. Help the cause. Charge more, negotiate harder, up your rates. At the very least, ASK.
Tell us about it: Which step will be hardest for you? Which seems easiest? »
