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Next Year, I Resolve to...
Most of us have made New Year's resolutions at one time or another. In fact, some of us make them and break them annually! Whether it's improving our minds, our bodies, or our relationships, we always have the best intentions for the coming year. Generally, by mid-January we're already faltering in our resolve. By June, our resolution is all but forgotten (but, of course, we promise to do better next year).
Don't worry, we've all been there. And while we can't help you stick to your diet, Esurance wants to help make your new year a little easier with tips for your car, your home, and yourself.
For your car
- Get your car serviced regularly. Preventative maintenance can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
- Check and replace oil filters and other fluid levels every 3,000 – 5,000 miles or every 3 – 4 months.
- Rotate your tires and have the tire balance checked every 6,000 – 7,500 miles.
- Check your brakes around the same time you have your tires rotated, or more frequently if you're especially hard on your brakes.
For your finances
- Check your insurance coverage levels. Are you paying for coverage you no longer need? Or do you qualify for discounts you didn't before?
- Set up automatic bill pay for monthly payments. Late payments can affect your credit score, which in turn can affect things like your auto insurance premium. By setting up automatic payments, you'll never forget to pay your bills.
- Pay off any credit card debt and use cash for smaller purchases. When you use your credit card, you don't see the actual money leaving your account, which makes it too easy to spend outside your means. By using cash, you can keep an eye on your wallet and avoid debt.
- If possible, put money into your savings account before you pay your bills. If you wait until you've met all your other financial obligations, you may be left with very little for your savings. Start by setting aside 5-10% of your salary (or have it automatically deposited into your savings account). You can increase this amount once you're comfortable.
And for yourself
- Schedule all those doctors' appointments you've been putting off. When's the last time you had a physical or got your teeth cleaned? Like your car, your body requires preventative maintenance.
- Make room in your busy life for “you” time. Take a walk, run a bath, or read a good book. Any activity that helps you feel calmer and more grounded can only benefit your physical, mental, and emotional state.
- Keep monthly checklists of tasks you want and need to do. You can even set up a reward system for your accomplishments.
- Give your home a “physical.” Fix your roof, plumbing, heating, or anything else that, if damaged, would make for a long, uncomfortable winter for you and your family.
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