Happy New Year! We’re one week into 2013…how is your resolution coming?
For many of us, the new year is a new leaf and it’s a must to kick off the New Year with renewed inspiration, but research published by Forbes.com(1) suggests that 92 percent of us give up before achieving our goals. Why is that? Lack of commitment? Loss of motivation? Distractions?
A likely contributor for many inspired resolvers is the mistake of making lofty goals without a plan for achieving them. For example, “I resolve to save more money this year” is a worthy goal, but without a way to turn your idea into something actionable, your resolutions may be setting you up for failure.
The great news is that making small changes to your spending habits and avoiding unnecessary expenses can add up to a big payoff! If saving more money is your end goal, break it into bite sized tasks you can easily commit to throughout the year. Here are a few to get you started:
1: “I resolve to be a good driver”
Did you know insurance companies offer Good Driver discounts to reward customers for good behavior? On the other hand, your premium will increase for each accident or ticket on your driving record. Be a safe driver and be sure to ask your insurance agent if you qualify for additional savings. This means sticking to speed limits, using your blinker and never texting from behind the wheel.
2: “I resolve to compare insurance rates regularly”
Insurance is an unavoidable cost for most adults, but rates change regularly for a variety of reasons, and these may vary between companies. By regularly comparing prices, you may be able to save hundreds a year for the same coverage. Mark your calendar to check your rate for savings before your policy automatically renews. With 5-10 minutes of your time, you’ll receive multiple quotes from us to compare side by side with your current plan. We offer a super simple tool to see which insurance providers can save you money. Click here to check it out.
3: “I resolve to spend less on fuel.”
There are many small things you can do to save money on fuel you’re your car. Improve fuel efficiency by monitoring your speeds. Quickly accelerating and excessive speeding are fast ways to end up back at the pumps sooner than necessary. When the time comes to fill your tank, make sure you get the lowest price around by using one of the 9 mobile apps reviewed by Mashable.com(2), which track gas prices for stations in your neighborhood. Keep the proper tire pressure to maximize your average mileage. Lastly, rethink how often you change your oil. By following the designated intervals in your owner’s manual, you can extend the life of each oil change and reduce maintenance costs. Synthetic blend motor oil is also regarded as a higher quality oil and can improve your fuel efficiency.
Remember small savings add up to big savings. To start off your year by shopping your insurance rate, get your quotes online or call to speak with a licensed agent.
(1) Dan Diamond, Just 8% of People Achieve Their New Year’s Resolutions. Here’s How They Do It., 01/01/2013, Forbes.com
(2) Christine Erickson, 9 Mobile Apps That Help You Find Cheap Gas, 03/06/12, Mashable.com
