CONSUMER NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Now that you are in a brand new year, here is a brand new opportunity to make right all those poor consumption choices you made in 2004. Of the many ways in which you can seek to mend your ways, here are some of the major areas which consumers, young and not so young, should try to improve this year:

Prudent Spending:
Avoid parting with your cash on items for which you only have a passing desire especially if you do not have the funds to spend and will only be able to get them with money you have to borrow. Do your research and avoid shopping on impulse. Consider setting up a weekly, fortnightly or monthly budget.

Stay Healthy:
Although this is influenced by so many factors, one of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by eating right. For example, as a consumer, you not only have a right to safe foods but also a responsibility to ensure that you do not take unnecessary chances which may make you ill. Also, read your labels so that you can have greater control over what you eat and pay keen attention to where you eat and from whom.

Being Vigilant:
Smart consumers know how to select reputable businesses and carefully steer clear of enticing "too good to be true" offers. Let establishments you do business with know that you appreciate good service and excellent quality goods. Become more familiar with your rights and responsibilities and those laws that already exist to protect you and share your knowledge with those establishments that seem not to know!

Save:
Although the most likely response to this will be “out of what!!?”, you will be amazed to see how a little bit of discipline in the way you spend can bring about huge returns, which will ultimately influence your need for loans to make large purchases. For young people still in school, where possible, speak to your guidance counsellor or career advisor about getting a part time job. Aside from helping you to get some of that elusive “experience” which employers love to ask for, it is also a way to give you some financial independence.
With all this in mind, the most important aspect to sticking with your goal is making yourself accountable. Tell your family and friends about your resolution. Tell them your plan for keeping it, and ask them to monitor you from time to time. Having an accountability partner will make it easier to cut out a bad habit or to develop a good one.
Put your goals in writing and post them in a prominent location. This will remind you of what you set out to accomplish!

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