Photo by Eustaquio Santimano

If you’re like us, you know that New Year’s resolutions go out the window when we think we can’t do them anymore. We say “I can’t stop eating,” and we end up ditching the diet. We quit on trying to wake up earlier to go to work, especially when it’s that very same work that keeps us up all night. We lose hope on trying to get exercise done, when we have work, family time, and other things that compete with the one hour we want to block off for jogging.

That’s why we’re determined to make it easy on ourselves this year. We’ve come up with some stuff that helps keep costs low, and dovetails straight into keeping the budget in check. Yes, that’s right: a lot of the money-saving tips you learn can actually make for a better, healthier, and more fulfilled you. These are tried and true tricks – you’ve heard them so many times, but like what every New Year brings, it’s time you refresh your memory.

So, here goes:

1.) DIETING: Eat less food, drink more water.
Yes that’s right. On average, the typical American family spends up to some 12% of its income on food. It’s a fairly hefty amount. That’s money that won’t come back – food needs to be consumed, and in doing so, we can’t hope for a return in the investment.

What can be done, however, is to diet a little smarter, and drinking water is one of the most proven ways how people reduce food intake. It has zero calories, it’s a basic household utility (we can get it straight from the tap most of the time) and is known to help promote good skin and fight dehydration. Also, it is known to quell what most people think are hunger pangs, helping people cut back on needless snacking.

2.) EXERCISE MORE: Hike, Bike and Bus, while Driving Less
Across the county people are fighting to pay the costs of rising oil prices. It impacts human health across many fronts – less exercise, higher air pollution, and a bigger carbon footprint that damages the environment long-term.

What people can do is to put away money by driving less. Taking public transport is a step to not just save money, but also to make the use of fuel more efficient. Walking also offers more time to exercise. It translates to more hours moving around, and it can quickly compensate for the “I’m too busy to hit the gym” issues that are all too common.

3.) HEALTH: Quitting Smoking
Smoking-related health care costs Americans some $150 billion a year. They’re also a habit that costs money to maintain, and is known to be socially repugnant in some circles.

So kick the butt and pocket your money!

4.) FINANCES: Putting Money Away
You don’t have to look very far! All throughout this very blog are tips to help you get started on building a more stable fiscal future. From using prepaid cards to do groceries and money transfers, to finding new ways to make money, the opportunities abound!

This year can be a great year. Let’s get cracking.