8 Resolutions That’ll Change Your Finances In 2019

Forget going to the gym or eating fewer carbs. 2019 is the year of financial resolutions - this year we dedicate ourselves to saving money, ending debt and reducing our financial stresses. To do that, we need to have resolutions that significantly affect our finances. With that in mind, here are some New Year's resolutions that'll change your finances in 2019 and have a lasting and profound effect on your money:

Eat out less

- We know you do it. We all do. For a family of four to eat out, it's at least $50 bucks and that's usually if you've opted for the greasy drive-thru. If you want anything resembling nutrition, you're probably looking at an $80 night out. A home-cooked meal for the same number of people can run you as little as $10, and you'll have leftovers the next day. Cutting out your dine-out nights is going to save you a huge chunk of change.

Pay more than the minimum

- Your debts won't shrink very fast if you're only paying the minimum payment each month. This year, make an effort to put as much as you can afford towards your debts. You'll see how much of an impact this can make.

3 day wait before purchases

- For out of the norm purchases, allow yourself to wait three days before deciding to buy. More often than not, when the item is not right in front of you, you can talk yourself out of it.

Leave your credit cards at home

- When you leave the house, leave your credit cards at home. Set a shopping budget for yourself, take that amount in cash and pay without credit. The more you leave your credit cards at home, the less you'll use them. It's a great strategy that will save you money and help you avoid debt.

Shop exclusively second-hand

- Most cities and towns have great second-hand stores that offer quality clothing and accessories for a lot cheaper than buying brand-new. If you limit your clothing and accessory shopping to second-hand stores, by the end of the year, you'll have saved yourself a ton of cash.

Sign up for Credit Karma

- Credit Karma is a free credit monitoring service that allows you to see your credit report and credit score. It'll let you know if there's anything suspicious on your credit report, which is a great line of defense against identity theft and fraud. You'll also clearly see what you have to do to improve your credit.

Check your balances

- Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card balances. Not only does this help you understand where your money is going, but it will also help you spot instances of fraud or even costly mistakes on your statements. This can end up saving you loads of cash and headaches.

Save money

- This year, tell yourself you're going to make a serious effort to put money away on a regular basis. Whether you're saving an emergency fund, a down payment for a house or a retirement fund, this is a great practice to get in the habit of.

Each one of these resolutions can have a lasting and profound impact on your financial situation, but when combined, they'll ensure your financial future is bright and secure.

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