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10 Things You Must Do Before the End of the Year

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Hi, my name is Adam Stewart, Debt Collection Expert and owner of Debt Recoveries Australia.

As I said in my last blog, I do not believe in new years’ resolutions, who keeps them right? What I do believe in is “To Do Lists”. I simply love them. It gives me a sense of achievement as I tick each of them off once they are complete. When I get to the end of the list, it is a beautiful feeling.

Therefore, instead of New Year’s resolutions, I came up with my top 10 things that you must do before the year ends. It is a good way to tie up loose end and start the New Year with a clean slate. These are just pointers that you probably forget about until the last minute, then it may be too late, so here is my list of things you can do, in preparation for the New Year:

1. Clean up home and office.
I like to have a clean, orderly environment to work in and to relax in. This is not always the case, but I at least try, most of the year. This is a great time of the year to tidy up and do those “once-a-year” jobs, such as windows, carpet cleaning, curtains and rubbish removal.

2. Concentrate on unfinished projects.
Do you remember that project you were excited about for a couple days then pushed to wayside for any number of reasons? Revisit it and finish it so you can enjoy a sense of accomplishment and have peace of mind before the year ends.

3. Reconnect with old friends.
Most of us are well-meaning people, but sometimes life gets in the way. If you have lost touch with a friend or family member this year (or for a few years even), give them a call or send an e-mail and say Hi.

4. Clean out your inbox and folders.
I am good with keeping my inboxes clear, but my folders (I use Dropbox and also a shared drive at work) seem too clogged up with old scans, downloaded letters, pictures and a whole bunch of stuff that could be sorted and stored or deleted. You know what I am talking about, right? So get started on the inbox first, and then tackle those folders.

5. Schedule a physical and dental check-up.
You have probably been putting off for quite a while, so do not wait unit next year, do it now and schedule an appointment with your dentist and your G.P. You will feel a sense of accomplishment and it will free up more time in the New Year to complete # 6!

6. Start a new exercise routine.
Many people plan to start exercising January 1 or shortly thereafter, but why not get a head start? Start your new exercise routine now so you are already in the thick of it when the New Year begins. I tend to be stuck with the same exercise routine and then I get bored very easily. Recently I have tried meditation, cycling and bush-walking- just as something different for me to get excited about exercise again. Try a form of exercise you really enjoy and put it into your weekly exercise routine. Start it now and flow through to the New Year.

7. Make one-year and 5-year goals.
Notice I did not call these “resolutions.” The reason is that resolutions are a waste of time because we think too big when making them. Instead, think about smaller, reasonably attainable goals to concentrate on in the New Year. I promise you will have more success in achieving them than those lofty goals you have made in the past. I like to do one year and 5-year goal plans. One-year plans give me something immediate and tangible to aim for and achieve and I can tick them off during the year. 5-year plans give me something to get excited about and give me hope for great things to come. Put them in black and white and keep them somewhere you can see them on a regular basis.

8. Update and consolidate your contacts.
There is no better time of year than holiday time to update your contacts. Update your social media profiles, delete old contacts, add, and consolidate all your contacts across all your applications. I like Microsoft Outlook and it works in pretty well with LinkedIn. I am going to try Salesforce in the New Year as a couple of clients have mentioned it is good.

9. Hit the after-holiday sales to stock up for next year.
This is one of my favourite activities! After Christmas has gone for another year, hit up your favourite discount department store to stock up on wrapping paper, gift bags, and Christmas decorations. In addition, some great bargains so prepare now and organise yourself to either shop online or get to the stores early on Boxing Day. It is also a good time to have a clean out of all your old items and perhaps donate some to your favourite charity.

10. Revamp your budget for next year.
Sit down and evaluate your financial situation. If you spent too much this year or did not save enough (not always one in the same, mind you), make a plan to cut out some expenses you can live without and implement strategies to save more money along the way. Do not forget to get together all your loose change and deposit it into your holiday account. If you need help budgeting, see my last blog here.

I hope this list will help you prepare for an awesome new year. What are you waiting for? Get started now!

Debt Recoveries Australia is the expert at recovering your outstanding debts without the drama. For more information, email us at email@debtrecoveries.com.au or call 1300 799 511. Tell us your problems on Skype at “debtrecoveries”.

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