Welcome to 2012
Posted by Gail | Filed under Goals
Ah, a new year. A fresh start. An opportunity to do all the things you wish you had last year, but never seemed to get around to.
New Years are celebrated because they’re offer the sense that you get a Do-Over, you can wash clean the slate and make your life everything you want it to be. That’s why people make all those resolutions.
- I resolve to quit smoking.
- I resolve to lose weight.
- I resolve to get out of debt.
- I resolve to save some money.
- I resolve to kick the people who drag me down out of my life.
I don’t make resolutions. I find them distracting. Instead I make changes.
First I make a plan. I set downs the steps I’m going to take, put some timelines in place, and decide things will be different. I don’t resolve to make them different, I MAKE them different.
Usually the changes involve adding some newness to my life. I love new. Not new stuff so much as new adventures.
You’ll see some changes here this year. Next week I’ll introduce you to six new bloggers (all in their own section, so you’re not losing me, don’t fret). They’ll take you on their journey as they hunt down their demons, grab their lives by the scruff of the necks and make their way into the future.
I’m also introducing a couple of new topic ideas on my blog. I’m much more than just a good money manager, and I want my blog to start reflecting some of the other things that I love. I asked how you felt about this and a number of you were resistant because you didn’t want to lose the money advice you count on. Don’t worry. I’m going to keep blogging about money. But I am going to take hump day back to blog about something other than money.
I love to cook. I like to knit. I’m an avid reader. I’m a fab mom with some very unusual tactics. I’m an immigrant, I’ve been married, divorced, a step-parent, a grandparent, a teacher of children from both ends of the “special needs” spectrum, and a friend. Well, those are some of the things that have shaped me and my interests.
I look forward to another year with a great group of people on this site. You have been my strength through tough times. You’ve made me laugh until I peed. You’re a fabulous community and I’m glad to share my life with you. Here’s to 2012 and all it can be.
Now it’s your turn. What do you have planned for your 2012?
January 2, 2012 at 4:56 am
I am excited for a fresh start of a New Year! I have planned to put a good amount toward my HELOC every month, it’s the only debt I have left. I have some of the normal ideas about weight, etc., and have been working on putting things into place so that really happens this year. And I was amused to read I’m not the only one that has thoughts of a little “people purging”. I plan to find some more positive influences in my life this year, start reshaping my social life. That might about do it for the year!
January 2, 2012 at 8:24 am
I celebrate “New Year” in September. That’s when school starts and that always signaled a new year for me.
I also don’t make resolutions, I don’t see the point. The day something bugs me is the day I start fixing it.
January 2, 2012 at 8:28 am
I’m looking forward to seeing what kinds of things you’ll write about on Wednesdays. We don’t compartmentalize our lives so adding in something a little different sounds fun.
I’m on of those lucky people who has frugal genes. I’ve never had to dig myself out of debt and for that I’m very thankful.
But I dislike money and avoid dealing with it seriously. My goal for the year is to become less afraid of making money and to be more intentional about what I do with the money I do have.
January 2, 2012 at 9:18 am
I am looking forward to the New year. Like you I do not make resolutions I make goals that I strive to achieve throughout the year. By the way I bought your new book for my daughter for Christmas, she 27 and her goal this year is to be self employed. I also look forward to reading about your other topics, I feel it is good to try new things even if they scare you a little before you start.
January 2, 2012 at 9:43 am
If I make resolutions or goals, I do it by the goal and how I am going to achieve the goal. So for example, if my goal is to lose weight, then I say:
I am going to lose xx number of pounds by eating xxx fewer calories a day and exercising xxx more minutes a day.
So, my goal for 2012 is to get my “life” budget line closer to the recommended 25% by reducing my food and personal care budget by eating out at restaurants less and by taking cooking classes to learn how to cook the food I love to eat in restaurants. So I’ve signed up for a class to learn how to cook east indian food.
My second goal is to become a better manager of my time so that I have more time to spend with the people I love, by setting up ways to better organize my work (including that @#$#@#@ email inbox!), and my physical space (which means getting uncluttered!)
January 2, 2012 at 9:50 am
I view each new year as an opportunity to revitalize my desire to be a the best person I can be and to make the necessary changes in the way I life my life. I often made specific goals with steps to achieve those goals — my list was a long one!
This year I have decided to focus on one specific goal and to put my energy into making that change in my life. As so much in life is intertwined, I’m going to try making a change to be a more positive person and perhaps the other parts of my life I’d like to change will take care of themselves. Wish me good luck!
I look forward to the changes you are proposing Gail! they sound exciting.
January 2, 2012 at 10:01 am
Happy New Year Gail. I hope you had a refreshing break. For the new year I want to continue – paying down my mortgage; completing the final payments for our child’s last semester at university without going into our line of credit; keep up my fitness program; keep on top of my heavy new workload in my new job; take time to ’smell the roses’.
January 2, 2012 at 10:08 am
HI Gail! I’m looking forward to the new bloggers and the new hump day material from you! Also, i’m almost through It’s Your Money and loving it!
our plans/goals for this year are pretty big. First, i’m taking a one week course in February to up my skils in a new area of health care to allow me more earning potential down the road and more job opportunities. it’s going to mean a week away from the kids, which will be tough, but will be worth it.
next, we want to explore moving to a bigger home. it’s something we’ve been seriously considering for awhile, but now want to make a reality. it may not work out and we may have to wait another year depending on prices, etc, but it’s a big thing and we hope to make it work before our daughter starts school this fall.
i want to save another month in our emergency fund and up our planned spending account by another 500 for some projects we have on our list. we went through the new 2012 budget this week and figured out ways to make that happen, so i’m feeling good that we have a plan.
overall, i just want 2012 to be a healthy one. I had some serious health issues in 2011 and am very glad to have 2011 in my rear view.
keep up the great work Gail! I ust love this blog
Lori
January 2, 2012 at 10:14 am
My plan
to eat fruit everyday
walk the dogs for 30 minutes
pack lunch
get my honey on board with the money- one pay period at a time otherwise know as a date with the money
move into our new home
try once more to have a baby
set up schedule to look after family
go skiing and skidooing
drink water with a slice of lemon
stick to the plan
January 2, 2012 at 10:19 am
Hi Gail,
Struggling over the last three years to spend within our means. Since the birth of our daughter, I am unable to lower our food budget. We made a move to a big city for my husband’s job and have spent a ton of our savings trying to stay within 20 mins commute so my husband can get time with our little girl. We have finally decided to move out of the city and use public transit to commute. My biggest budget hurdle is how to save money on food costs. We eat everything organic when possible and I make all of our snacks and meals from scratch. Any tips for those families who want try to stay wholesome and organic? It seems most of the money saving blogs and tips for grocery are not geared that way. I try to shop at the various farmers markets weekly, but still find we are spending between $800 and $1200 per month on food. Thanks a lot
Yours trueky
Mommy on a healthy mission
January 2, 2012 at 10:21 am
Many changes are in store for us this year. My husband and I are weeks away from being licensed to do foster care. I’ve already cut back at work. I’ve enrolled in a 6 month long health challenge to lose weight. My goal is to lose at least 80 lbs this year. I want to start trying for a baby towards the end of the year.
On the money side I will get 2 of our 4 student loans paid off this year. Our only debt is our mortgage and the student loans. So we’re not doing too bad in my opinion.
January 2, 2012 at 10:59 am
I am excited to see the new blogs!
2012 brings freedom from the last of my debt… have a plan to pay off $3220 by June 22. It brings in savings and better credit (as I am no longer spending money I do not have… but I need to have good credit if I plan on moving out!). It brings new fun adventures… and hopefully the end of my weight-loss journey and the start of maintenance!
I hope everyone a happy and healthy 2012!
January 2, 2012 at 11:01 am
I am very optimistic about 2012 being a fantastic year! February my 0% car loan ends and I have the money saved for the balloon payment, So no more car payment. My income is decreasing and I have a bit of a bonus that will pay off the LOC (nasty incidious thing – kind of like The Blob, just keeps growing). We have reviewed our finances, but will have to see our net pays at end of January to see the new deductions and how we are affected. Despite the income decrease, we have an emergency fund so we will be fine. We are implementing a further increase in our mortgage payments and saving money for the lump sum payments, our goat is to be mortgage free in 6 years rather than the current 13 years. All in all LIFE IS GREAT!
January 2, 2012 at 11:42 am
My resolutions aren’t usually what I want to see at the end, but the steps on how to get there. My ultimate goal may not be to lose weight, but to obtain a healthier lifestyle, so my resolutions are to spend some time outdoors with the kids every weekend, to use the treadmill or the Wii or our sports table (air hockey, ping-pong, pool) everyday, to limit my use of the Internet to 30 min./day, and to plan meals weekly. By doing this things, I hope to be able to take things day by day and worry less and enjoy and live in the moments, and spend more quality time with my family.
I hope everyone has a happy new year, that brings them what they are looking for.
I look forward to the changes on your blog, Gail. It’s your personality and way with words and perspective that keeps me coming back, not the content.
January 2, 2012 at 11:54 am
This is great! Change is good and it’s nice to see you putting forth the parts of yourself that you want to share with others. I’m looking forward to hump day just as much as all the others here.
Happy 2012!!!
January 2, 2012 at 12:11 pm
I just wanetd to thank you, Gail, for all the wonderful changes you have helped me make in my life. I know I could not have done it without you and I look forward to learning more from you over the coming year.
January 2, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Gail,
I’m so looking forward to your hump day post.
After reading several of your older books I know you have a fantastic personality towards life and living it to the fullest.
I’m not making any resolutions this year, everyday I’ll just try and smile more and maybe that will be contagious enough for all the parasites around me to disappear.
January 2, 2012 at 12:35 pm
Happy New Years! Looking forward to your blogs, as always and the new ones as well. Have a great day!
January 2, 2012 at 2:35 pm
Hi, Gail i have a question do you think it’s a good ideia to ask for a small loan to pay a small debt ?
What steps should i take and what information should i get informed ?
Please can you help me with some insight. Thank you i love your show .
Have a great day and happy new year!
January 2, 2012 at 2:49 pm
Goals for 2012:
1. read the books I already own (min 1/mth, stretch goal 2/mth)
2. declutter something every week, even just a drawer if that’s all I can manage
3. rebuild the rotting back deck
4. park at the back of the office lot and walk farther
5. $12k in extra mortgage again this year
6. max out RRSP contributions for both of us
7. camp at least 3x this summer
8. repaint kitchen and son’s bedroom
I find it helpful to set some small as well as large goals. I also like the ones set up in weekly/mthly increments. Everything is more manageable in baby steps and you eventually get where you want to be without setting yourself up for failure.
January 2, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Starting off the new year by kicking one of my student loans to the curb. I can have it paid off completely by the middle of next month, and doing so leaves open the possibility of having the second over and done with in less than a year.
Moving around April, going from the suburbs to closer to the city centre. Depending on how and where that goes, it might means unloading my car and readopting the pedestrian lifestyle. I’ve really gotten out of touch with the city and all it has to offer, so I’m looking forward to taking advantage of that simply because it’s there.
I’ve also decided to buy only four books this year. That’s a huge test for this reader, but the library is to the rescue. I never used the library because I was horribly lazy at returning the books, but since they are now offering digital borrowing and I have an ebook reader there’s no commute. It’ll save me about $50-60/month on books.
Looking forward to hump day. The best bloggers are those that are versatile.
January 2, 2012 at 3:04 pm
This year, we will continue our journey towards better health, whether we lose weight or not. This is the year we gain control of our finances, pay off our credit cards at least, and start an emergency fund. Last year was already a great year, this year will be fantastic.
January 2, 2012 at 3:42 pm
2011 was not a good year, and I am ohsoready to have it gone! I too don’t do resolutions, but I do like to take some time in January to review what my goals are and what strategy i’m going to use. I started writing it down years ago and that’s been a big help. When you write things down, your can’t conveniently forget what you swore you’d do.
I generally think in terms of my birthday as a ‘new year’, so I tend to set goals for that instead… but the new year is a good time to reflect, and reflection is always good! I love the ‘new’ as well, Gail, so I can’t wait to see how the blog changes to suit your needs and interests!
January 2, 2012 at 4:07 pm
for those resolving to live a more healthy lifestyle, which might or might not include weight loss: there is an excellent website, sparkpeople.com, that can help and support you. It’s entirely free, and I’m not getting anything for posting this. It’s helped me a lot, so I like to share it. Just throwin’ it out there.
As for me, my goals include working on these areas: patience, finances, and how I use my words.
January 2, 2012 at 4:24 pm
This year I just want a job. I just turned 60 and am getting lots of interviews but no callbacks no matter what I try out for (I think ageism but no proof). EI just ran out so the budget is very squeaky but thankfully hubby is still working. I just signed up for targeted wage subsidy where the government will pay an employer to hire me. Wish me luck!!
After I get the job, we will try to get back on track with retirement planning and savings.
Have a Happy New Year everyone! Looking forward to hump day and the new bloggers, Gail!
January 2, 2012 at 5:04 pm
I plan to finally put the family home up for the sale and move closer to my work with a lifestyle that offers more freedom and a lot less housekeeping. I have been sitting on this decision for two years and need to take the time to do this for myself.
January 2, 2012 at 5:22 pm
New to your blog but not new to you (been watching Til Debt Do Us Part for years!). Looking forward to the new changes!
As for me, 2012 is my year! We have already made a lot of changes and improvements in our finances in the last 6 months, and 2012 will see us rewarded!
January 2, 2012 at 5:29 pm
My goal is to spend more quality time with my family, so my plan is to spend two nights a month playing card or board games with my dh and dd.
January 2, 2012 at 5:56 pm
My goal is to be consistant and not strive for perfection! I tend to set myself up for failure when i try to be perfect…so my goal is consistancy!
January 2, 2012 at 6:23 pm
Hey Gail!
Your tactics have helped my young husband and I (we are both 23) to start off our marriage right. So thank you! We put your tips to the test, and we have been truly blessed in a number of ways already. We aren’t perfect, but we are disciplined. To us, that’s the core of what you teach. Thank you!
I look forward to getting to know you a little bit more personally. We agree with you, in the sense that my husband and I don’t really do “new years” resolutions; we try and become better, and fix our problems, all year long. Although it’s a great chance to start fresh; get caught up in my journalling, and finish preparing financially for my husband’s upcoming degree (which we are paying in cash, thanks to you!) are a few of the items on my list.
Looking forward to learning more from you,
Catharine
January 2, 2012 at 7:05 pm
GAIL! We did it, with your support & guidance! My other half & I sat down over the holidays and got our financial life in order. We are much better off than we thought we were, and with our new plan (inspired by your new book) we will be 100% debt free in 5 months! FIVE MONTHS! Next step, save for a house we can afford! I am continuously inspired by you, love your fresh way of tackling the money, and now I truly believe that our promissing future will be in your honor and I am your debt! (Bad pun!) Keep informing us, motivating us, and inspiring us all! Love, Respect & Honor from Candi out East.
January 2, 2012 at 7:31 pm
For the past few years I have had a resolution in place and this year I haven’t found something that I a willing and believe I can achieve. In the past t has been as simple as only using rechargeable batteries to purchasing nothing new for the whole year. What to do, what to do?
January 2, 2012 at 10:59 pm
Last year, I paid off the student loans (and then a little credit card debt when paying off the loans too aggressively compromised my emergency fund and left me on the hook for a few things) and got my RRSP on automatic deduction. In three years on less than 40K income, I am proud that I paid off 15k in loans and saved 13k in RRSP money! Now, onto my new adventure for 2012, moving in with my guy. I am excited and we have a great budget and very similar goals. We both want to do this responsibly and make sure we cover all the bases. I think 2012 will be a good year.
January 2, 2012 at 11:18 pm
I just want to wish everyone here a happy and healthy 2011 as we all try to reach our financial goals together!
January 3, 2012 at 12:37 am
I hope you do a post on your favourite Dr Seuss books. You’ve mention him a few times but I can never remember which books to look for at the library
January 3, 2012 at 1:58 am
Looking forward to hearing about your other passions and ideas, Gail! I’ll be tuning in for all of it! Happy New Year!
January 3, 2012 at 3:49 am
Finishing my honours degree in psychology this year! April! I have a solid repayment plan for my student loans, and thanks to scholarships and bursaries I have a much smaller debt load than many of my colleagues.
I’ve already been successful this year. I decided to declutter and move forward with the renovations and improvements on my living space. Already it’s so much better. I had girlfriends over for a fun filled evening for the first time in years! Thanks to my wonderful christmas presents: power drill (boxing day sale 139.99 reduced to 50 dollars), set of drill bits, and new shelving for my storage area, drapes for my living room and bedroom (miss matched lengths that my mom and I hemmed over the holidays) bought on sale and with my mom’s staff discount each panel was 8 dollars. Refinished and repainted hand me down shelves, lamps and other items. I’m finally house proud. And now my boyfriend affectionately calls me his handy girlfriend. I’ve gathered clothing to donate and given 2 dresses to friends that love them. Overall, the year is going very well and I hope to further improve in the future. Here’s to 2012!
January 3, 2012 at 8:54 am
I have yet to map up the specifics in order to attain these goals but generally:
- to get back on track financially
- to be more positive
- to live a healthier lifestyle
and the big one – to try and revamp work so I am better organized and not marking so much all the time! I want to spend more time having fun with my kids!
I too am looking forward to your hump day blog Gail since I also love to cook, am an avid reader and love to crosstitch! Plus, based on your shows, I think you would have some great advice on relationships!
@Lori and Amy – wishing you the best of luck that this year brings you a baby! They truly are the best gift in life!!
January 3, 2012 at 10:21 am
I like making New Year’s resolutions because of the word “resolve” which combats that vagueness Gail was talking about in her blog. Plus, it’s a fun activity for me. I’m a detail oriented person. A goal is a goal is a goal but unless you resolve to reach that stated goal, your goal might turn out to be just another idea.
I like the way MP3 does her goals with steps how to achieve it. For an Action Plan to work, each mini-goal (each step) should also have an end date.
I usually pick about 6 resolutions and break them down.
My New Year’s Resolution:
1) Continue running (3x week) and hiking (2x mth) and start swimming on Thursdays
2) Save $6800 for my EF (includes my tax refund).
3) Lose 20 lbs (I’m overweight) by decreasing food portion sizes and increasing exercise (see above)
4) Discontinue eating/drinking any junk – body is a temple will be my mantra
5) Do more things with family and friends and get out there and meet people
6) Have fun (category broken down to specific events)
@ Dawn – thanks for mentioning sparkpeople.com
I’ve done the little exercises on that site before at home and it helped to strengthen my core. I’ll work it into my exercise and eating healthy action plan.
@ Candi – congratulations to you and your other half on sticking to your plan and getting debt free in 5 months! It is so good to hear from people that can pull themselves out of debt with hard work
Happy New Year!!!! Wishing you all a happy, healthy and fruitful year.
January 3, 2012 at 10:28 am
@ MaryS – Good Luck!!!!!
January 3, 2012 at 7:00 pm
@ Erin B – Dr.Suess books mentioned:
The Cat in the Hat and Other Dr. Seuss Favorites
The King’s Stilts
Thidwick, the Big-Hearted Moose
I Can Read with My Eyes Shut
January 3, 2012 at 9:26 pm
I too need to make a huge change this year… I have to find the strength from within to pull myself out of this deep sadness I have been engulfed in for the better part of last year. I had my heart completely broken and every time I thought I was starting to recover, I would find myself dissolving into tears.
I don’t think it is depression because I am able to function perfectly at most times. It’s just when I’m alone in bed at 3am (I’m a bit of an insomniac) or see something that we would have chatted about and then realize I can’t tell him, that I fall into that chasm of sadness.
Now is the time to pull myself up by my bra strap and carry on – I have greived long enough! So… from this point on I will not allow myself to wallow in my sadness. I will get out and about again. I will start dating again! And with that I will heal my heart
January 4, 2012 at 1:06 pm
[...] I read a blog post by Gail Vaz-Oxlade where she said something really interesting on the topic of New Year’s Resolutions. I don’t [...]
January 4, 2012 at 1:32 pm
I started some changes before Jan 1 hit. It is the year of getting off my tush about debt, savings and all in all living. This year I turn 50 (to me it’s just a number), but it is a good starting time to get things changed up. Did our budget, know when things will be paid off. Any increase in salary for either of us is going to go into savings to kick start our savings account.
January 4, 2012 at 9:24 pm
I’m looking forward to the changes that will come this year. In June my partner & I will be having our second child, it is something the whole family is looking forward to as my son asked Santa if he could have a baby
What I want to strive for is to have a more positive outlook with everything & to connect more with the important people in my life, stop & smell the roses as it were. Life is affected by circumstances but it can be determined by choices you make. I hope everyone here has a fantastic 2012 & all the years after 
January 5, 2012 at 9:18 pm
Happy New Year, Gail! I’m looking forward to both the new bloggers and your new additions to the blog.
I don’t make resolutions either – but I am going to work on a few things this year. One, to organize our house better. Right now, the basement is a catchment zone for clutter! Two, I plan on exercising more even if it is just walking more when going somewhere (parking my car farther away). Also, I’m going to get a part time job and focus on making more money to help us purchase a farm for us – a dream of mine for sure! Looking forward to 2012.
January 15, 2012 at 7:37 am
After searching for 5 years for an affordable farm north of Toronto, we found the perfect place and just moved in October! 26 acres, and a lovely, but neglected house. We paid cash for the property but borrowed some money to do renovations. It is the cheapest house in a very expensive area, protected land on the Niagara Escarpment and we intend to live there forever, we think it will be a great investment. I hope to grow enough food to feed ourselves, and have started planting fruit trees (pear, apple, plum, cherry), grapes, and will have a garden this year. The taxes are a big plus – farm status keeps them very low as we have a tenant farmer taking hay. A wood stove will give us a little relief from heating bills, there is lots of deadwood on the property.
Such a grand adventure we are having in 2012, and we will let events unfold as they may. Chickens or geese?