With today being the first day of the New Year, there is chatter of resolutions abound. On the radio, television, every media outlet available we are hearing about how many people are resolving to lose weight or pay off debt. It is well known though that the majority of resolutions are not kept.

While we absolutely suggest that you resolve to reduce your debts this coming year, we suggest even more that you stick to that resolution.  Here’s how!

Learn to Say No

We are all inundated with colorful catalogs and endless television commercials promising happiness if we buy the latest device. Don’t let the temptation of new and shiny baubles distract you from your goal of reducing your spending. Everlasting happiness doesn’t come from material goods. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20)

Enjoy Activities Instead of Objects

Do you think your children will better remember a day spent with the family in the park or the beach or hours spent on a video game? Pack some sandwiches and bring your loved ones to a free public park. Bring some stale bread to feed the ducks. Pack a Frisbee, a football or a kickball. Take pictures if you like, but don’t forget to put down the camera and live in the moment.

Embrace Board Games

Rather than letting them take up space and collect dust in your closet, open up those board games! Dedicate a table in your home to a jigsaw puzzle that is always out. Games and puzzles are inexpensive and they provide a natural opportunity for relaxed conversation. If you want to know what’s on your teenager’s mind, sit with them over a game. You’ll be surprised how much they’ll open up when they aren’t the center of your focus.

Take Advantage of Free Services

Most communities have libraries that not only have free books to offer, but free DVD and audiobook rentals. You can cut back on your movie rental expense by utilizing the library as your own personal media center.

Take Care of your Belongings

Honor the workmanship that went into the manufacturing of your vehicle, furniture, clothes and other belongings. Change your oil regularly in your car to prevent costly breakdowns. Treat stains immediately rather than letting them become permanent, leading to buying new clothing unnecessarily.

Challenge yourself

Where are your weaknesses where spending is concerned? Is it the makeup counter? Challenge yourself to find natural beauty solutions, many are even right in your kitchen. Can’t resist the home improvement store? Find the most cost effective way to tackle that project by reusing items around the house. All of these will not only save a fair amount of money, but also be better for our environment as well.

Get Professional Help

If your burden seems to heavy to bear on your own, seeking Christian debt management help is a good beginning to changing your spending style. Fill out the short form on the right hand side to request a free consultation with one of our Christian Debt Advisors so that you can follow through on your resolution to become debt free in 2014.