First off, I would like to wish all my readers a very happy New Year. May we have a peaceful, prosperous, and most importantly, a healthy new year.

The other day, I went to visit a friend who was having a sari sale at her place. While I was going through the beautiful saris on display, I was approached by a friend, who jokingly said "Why are you spending money? You constantly advise us to save and not spend!" I was quite amused actually. Yes, I agree, I do advise on spending and saving habits. However, you are welcome to spend as long as you bear in mind that you are living within your means.

I would like to suggest some New Year's Resolutions, which we could all try to follow:

Stay healthy and stay fit, exercise regularly and eat healthy. This will help you long term and may prevent illnesses for which you may have to incur huge financial expenditure. More importantly, remaining healthy means remaining happy.

Take an honest look at your financial performance last year. Did you spend beyond your means? Did you take too many loans? Reconsider your financial mistakes and strive to perform better this year.

Check your credit card bills. Pay off any and all outstanding bills, or at least as much as is possible. Try and start the new year with a clean slate. Going forward, remember to never overuse your credit card and to pay off bills within a reasonable time.

Make a budget of your expenses and income, and spend and save accordingly.

Share financial information with your spouse or partner. In the event of one's demise, the other should know of your financial affairs. There have been so many incidences where the grieving widow is left clueless about her husband's financials.

Make a list of all your accounts, savings, loans etc. and keep it updated and have a designated and trusted person know about it.

Cut back on bad money habits, and replace them with good ones. Follow your life with good values and instil them in your children, if you have any. 

Live within your means and invest wisely and prudently. Do not go for high returns, which is much more than what the general market is offering. Remember the risk factor which comes with high returns.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket; choose good financial institutions and distribute your wealth accordingly.

Keep yourself updated with the latest rules and regulations from your bank manager. There could be changes in travel quotas, RFCD accounts, saving schemes etc.

Finally, remain happy and stress free – there is always a solution for any problem. Pursue your hobby to keep yourself occupied. Your life is in your own hands and only you know best how to live it!

Photo: Collected