I honestly don't remember exactly what my last New Year's Resolution was. It probably had something to do with losing weight (shocker; that's probably the most common resolution of them all), or possibly journaling (I love writing, but I find it difficult to sit down in one place and write every day). Unsurprisingly, my New Year's Resolutions have never really stuck. I used to make them just because it was the thing to do. But this year (for the first time in several years), I'm actually planning a resolution, and I think I'll be able to stick to it. It has to do with budgeting better and actually saving instead of spending, but the important part is that I'm not just working with the revenue stream I already have. I've signed up for maybe half a dozen sites created to make or find money for you, like Paribus, InboxDollars, and ShopTracker (which is run by The Harris Poll). Some of these sites are survey sites, which pay you in "points" that you can redeem for gift cards or cash. Paribus can track email receipts and get you money when the price drops on a product you've already purchased. I've created a new savings account where I plan to deposit $100 a month for (at least) the next year, and I've started it with a little over $200 already there. This account will be my emergency fund–something I had yet to create, but knew that I needed. I've also started using Mint to help me budget. I've had the app for a while, but I have vowed to use it more seriously from now on. Mint can connect all of your bank accounts, credit cards, student loans, auto loans... You name it, Mint can probably keep track of it. They've also recently added a feature that allows you to pay bills through the website or mobile app. In short, I'm hoping that by creating a budget, using a mobile app to track it, and raking in a little extra money on the side (every little bit helps!), I'll be able to actually keep a New Year's Resolution for once. Maybe the key is careful planning for something that you want... so don't be afraid to go out there and make your own resolution!
