Tomorrow we begin a brand-new year. Maybe even a brand-new decade,
depending on how you calculate it. This is traditionally the time when we
review our accomplishments, failures, and missed opportunities over the past
year and make resolutions to be better in the future.
Among the most popular New Year's resolutions are weight loss,
physical fitness, and financial fitness. All of these goals are admirable and
none are easy to achieve. That's why many people give up after the first month
or so.
These goals can complement each other. If you attain a healthy
weight and physical fitness, you might spend less money on doctor's visits and
prescription drugs to treat weight-related illnesses. You can save money by
cutting out junk food and empty-calorie snacks, which will also help with
weight loss.
You can torpedo your financial goals by investing in an expensive
weight-loss program or joining a gym, and then letting those self-improvement resolutions
fall by the wayside. As a lifetime member of Weight Watchers (now rebranded as
WW), I've watched year after year as standing-room-only January meetings shrink
in half by March. Gyms experience the same scenario. In fact, managers have no
problem overselling memberships at the beginning of the year; they count on a
certain percentage of new members not showing up. Think of all the wasted money
on the weight-loss and fitness industries! If you're going to shell out
hard-earned funds, stick with the program to protect your financial investment.
I believe financial motivation has kept me at free-lifetime status
with WW as much as the desire to maintain a healthy weight. As long as I attend
at least one meeting a month and weigh in at goal (or within a two-pound
grace weight), I maintain my free status. If I miss a month or tip the scales too
much when I check in, I have to pay until I get back to goal. That fear prevents
me from straying too far from the plan.
It's fine to pay for a program that will help you achieve your goal.
For some, it's the only way, as WW was with me. Do some research first, to
ensure you're getting the best value, and that the program is something you can
realistically follow and reap benefits from. And then commit. Sticking with the
plan can be a financial resolution as well.
What are your resolutions for 2020? I’d love to hear your
comments.
