2017
is here and we’re gearing up for an exciting, fresh year of new goals and
possibilities. The beginning of the year is the perfect time to take stock of
which areas in our life need more focus and attention. Although we often hear
about New Year’s resolutions as personal goals, why expand those goals to the
whole family? Here are some New Year’s goals with the whole household in mind.
1. Schedule
checkups for the whole family. Due to our busy lives, many of
us only think of going to the doctor or dentist when we’re sick. However,
regular preventive care is important for
staying healthy.
2. Build
up your emergency fund. Bankrate reports that over 1 in 4 Americans don’t have
enough in savings to cover even a routine emergency, such as an unexpected medical
bill or car repair.
3. Build
up your buffer. According to the same study, roughly half of Americans
don’t have enough in savings to cover 3 months of expenses. Building a buffer
fund is just as important as saving for retirement, and won’t take nearly as
long!
4. Sign
up for, or reevaluate, your life insurance plan. If
you have a family, life insurance provides peace of mind for you and helps your
dependents adjust to the loss of income if a breadwinner dies. Life insurance
proceeds may help your surviving spouse pay off your mortgage, pay for
childcare, alleviate debts, cover funeral expenses and/or ensure your children
are able to attend college. It’s a good idea to periodically revisit your
policy to see whether or not it still meets your income and lifestyle needs.
For more on how life insurance works, see here.
5. Resolve
never to text and drive. Make
the whole family take the pledge, and put it in writing!
6. Volunteer
together. We all wish we had more time to give back. Volunteering
as a family creates cherished memories, and teaches children the value of
service.
7. Eat
more fruits and veggies. If
the whole family is in on healthier eating, your own nutrition goals will be
much easier to achieve.
8. Unplug. Set aside family time each week
where everyone is unplugged from screen time and spending face time together.
9. Listen
more. Communication
is imperative to healthy familial relationships. Commit to listening to each.
10. Discuss
your personal 2017 goals together. Encourage
children to come up with their own resolutions (mastering a two-wheeler,
reading more books, recycling), and support each other throughout the year!
We
at Melissa Ziegler-Penzato’s Covington, Louisiana office wish you and your
family a safe and prosperous 2017!
If you are interested in receiving a life insurance quote
or financial advice from Melissa Ziegler-Penzato, an Allstate Personal
Financial Representative with a reputation for high ethical standards and
excellent customer satisfaction, please visit her webpage, or call (985)
875-7707 for more
information.
