Winter 2006-07
It.s the new year, a great time to take stock of your life. It.s a time to list some goals for yourself - not the trite New Year.s resolutions of the past but honest changes in your life that may improve your self-esteem, health and perspective.
Start with the good points: What are you doing now that makes you feel the most pride and satisfaction? Place these at the top of your list with the word "Continue." But then ask yourself if certain activities are hurting the quality time you could be spending with your family. Don.t let your children subsist on frozen burritos for dinner every night! It is important to prioritize and be flexible.
Now think about things in your life that you want to change. Reflect upon your physical, spiritual, recreational and financial well-being. What are your deepest desires? It.s OK to list one or two items that seem unattainable for now but include a related, more realistic goal, such as opening a retirement savings account, to help finance your dreams over the long term.
Then list the items you know you can do. But don.t jump in over your head! If your goal is to continue your education, start with one class to see if it is what you really want and if it fits with your current responsibilities. Start a small quilting project before you invest in a full-size quilting rack.
Using installation or community resources can reduce the financial toll of pursuing your dreams. Work out a plan for your goals. Don.t start too many at once. Enlist the help of your spouse, neighbor or children. It.s always easier with a buddy and a cheerleading section.
Perhaps these ideas and resources can help guide you toward your dreams. Start small, soar high, and look back in 2008 with pride on all you have accomplished in 2007!
Eat Healthier
Plan: Set aside time each week to create menus and translate them into shopping lists; you always save money when you stick to a list. Remove temptations from the pantry. Don.t eat in the car. Choose healthy snacks. Drink more water. Make this a plan for life, not just a temporary diet.
Resources: The Defense Commissary Agency and TRICARE are encouraging military consumers to read labels and make healthier food choices to improve health and control weight. Check the fact sheets at www.commissaries.com and articles about losing weight at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website (www.fda.gov).
Take Classes
Plan: What type of career would you like to pursue? How can you use credits obtained so far to your best advantage? What financial resources are available? Do you prefer online or classroom learning? Where can you go to set aside a study area?
Resources: The National Military Family Association.s (www.nmfa.org) new "Military Spouse Education Resource Guide" complements counseling services provided by your school or installation education center. Find out about schools that offer military discounts, online programs and easy credit transferability. Military OneSource (www.militaryonesource.com; 800-342-9647) also offers education information.
Spend More Time With Your Kids
Plan: While car time can be quality time, it should not be the only quality time! Think about projects and activities you could enjoy together. Perhaps you could learn tae kwon do or spend time hiking local trails together. Watch your child.s favorite TV show together. Read Lord of the Rings or Little Women together.
Resources: Investigate programs offered through Morale, Welfare and Recreation on your installation; depending on your location, it could be anything from bowling to kayaking to discount theme park tickets. Check your local newspaper for a schedule of children.s activities and programs.
Get Physically Fit
Plan: Evaluate your present fitness level. Have you been a slug too long? What can you do to get motivated or kick it up a notch? Would working out with a partner help keep you on track?
Resources: Walking is a great way to get started and doesn.t cost a thing. Before you invest in exercise equipment, try it out first at the installation gym. Don.t sign up for a long-term gym membership without a trial membership first. Whatever you do, make sure it fits into your lifestyle and budget.
Get Fiscally Fit
Plan: What are your financial responsibilities? Where can you cut spending to put more money into savings and investments? How will you set up a savings plan?
Resources: Learn all you can about improving your fiscal health. If you prefer face-to-face counseling, visit your installation financial counselor or local credit union. Read Military Money (www.militarymoney.com), of course, and the new SaveAndInvest.org website (www.saveandinvest.org) offers information on budgeting and investing.
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Kathleen Moakler is a deputy director of government relations for the National Military Family Association (www.nmfa.org).