my jeffolie view: men's resolutions focus on applying measurements to your progress based on objective methods such as a weight scale, credit balance outstanding, date/fun nights in a week, etc. rather than guesswork. ... men's
resolutions to "dealing with Women" suggestion: become a fantastic 'listener' rather than a problem fixer ... women much rather tell you about their issues than have you even attempt to fix their problems ... do not fix, listen while
conveying you understand their painHave a plan ... tips to reaching some of those goals. .
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Have a plan for money, job, debt resolutions
12/27/2012
Maybe it will be the year to save the money to finally buy a house or take Mom on that dream vacation to Europe. Maybe 2013 will be the year to start or finish school and secure that dream job - or any job, for that matter.
About 45 percent of Americans made New Year's resolutions in 2012, with losing weight, getting organized, saving money and enjoying life to the fullest among the most popular, according to a recent report by the University of Scranton's Journal of Clinical Psychology.
Whatever the New Year's resolution, here are some tips to reaching some of those goals.
Finding a job
Randstad, a major human resources services provider and staffing organization, suggests using holiday events as networking opportunities. In a more fun, relaxed setting, building those relationships may mean a better career in the future. Volunteering is another way to network and will help acquire new skills to bolster one's resume while meeting new people, according to WHW, a nonprofit employment support services organization that helps those in need find jobs.
To get a career foot in the door, job seekers may also want to consider temporary or contract positions, since about 67 percent of firms use contract workers, according to a Randstad Workforce 360 study.
Being proactive is also key, according to WHW, which suggests having a professional social media presence on LinkedIn, Twitter,
Facebook and others and following up after applying for a job.
Saving money
Keeping track of expenses is an easy way to stay on budget, according to USA.gov, which suggests subtracting your fixed monthly expenses from one's monthly take home pay and splitting the leftover among savings accounts, debt repayment and other expenses, such as grocery and gas bills.
Trim costs by cutting back on nonvital expenses such as entertainment and eating out. Small changes, such as borrowing books from the library or making dinners and coffee at home or buying generic instead of brand names may mean big bucks down the road.
Once a debt is paid off or an expense is no longer needed, transfer it to a savings account, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The money won't be missed if it's put into savings.
Also, avoid getting payday loans, which is an expensive way to get a cash advance, according to the FTC.
Dealing with debt
The Federal Trade Commission suggests contacting creditors and trying to agree to a modified payment plan. Most are willing to work with folks who are dealing in good faith. Also, consider credit counseling, but be wary of those that charge high fees or hidden fees.
Also be wary of businesses that offer credit repair for a fee. Inaccurate information can be fixed in one's credit report, but accurate negative information can't be removed. Only time and repaying debts will improve a credit score.
www.presstelegram.com/ci_22268746/bottom-line-have-plan-money-job-debt-resolutions