Setting New Year’s Goals for a Positive Outlook in 2022

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2021 proved to be a challenging year for many Australians, however, the Christmas and New Year period is nearly upon us and this is a time for celebration and a chance to relax with family and friends. It is also a time to set goals for an optimistic 2022.

This period can also be about giving yourself time to reflect on what the New Year may bring. New resolutions are usually not far from everyone’s mind once the Christmas festivities are over.

A Finder survey of 1,004 Australians revealed that 83% of respondents had set a new year’s resolution for 2021. Over half the adult population (51%) are hoping to lose the extra pounds gained during lockdown, with improved fitness and weight loss topping the list of new year goals.

Also, more than 1 in 3 people (38%) are vowing to eat better. This mirrors a recent CSIRO study in which 39% of Australians admitted to gaining weight during the pandemic.

Set goals for the year

What are you hoping to achieve in 2022?

Visit your dream destination? Now that international borders are starting to open you can turn those dreams into a reality.
Start training for a new career?
Improve your health and fitness?
Get married or start a family?
Start that investment or savings plan?

It helps to put some structure around your goals to make them more achievable. Once you’ve drawn up your list of goals, be sure to set yourself targets and milestones to reach throughout the year to keep you on track.

Draw up a budget

When you’ve worked out your personal goals, you can draw up a budget to help make them happen. Make sure you’re realistic about your expenses, and what you’re willing to give up in order to meet your goals. Once you have your budget set, the most important thing to do is stick to it!

ASIC’s MoneySmart budget planner can help you set up your budget and track your spending.

Lock in your holidays and look after your health

Looking after yourself throughout a busy working year is essential. Lock in your holidays in advance, so you can budget for them and make sure you’re getting enough rest and relaxation.

Maintaining a healthy work life balance should also be at the top of your list for the New Year to keep stress at bay and promote mental wellbeing.

Take out adequate protection

Whether you’re single, married, with a long term partner or about to start a family, it’s important to safeguard your finances while you’re working to meet your goals. One way you can do this is by taking out life insurance.

If you already have Life insurance and Income Protection, the New Year is a good time to review it and ensure it still covers your mortgage and major cost of living expenses.

If you don’t have cover, there are a number of websites such as ASIC’s MoneySmart which provide details of what to look for when considering taking out cover. If you’re not sure how much cover you might need, you can use NobleOak’s award-winning Life Insurance calculator. It only takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete and you’ll be sent a free personalised report.

Remember, that having adequate Life insurance in place can help reduce stress by giving you peace of mind that your family and lifestyle will be protected financially should something unexpected happen.