7 Ways To Finally Achieve Financial Freedom In Honor Of The New Year

• Start thrifting!

  Used clothes supersede fast fashion by a lot. Not only will you find unique pieces that no one (or very few other) people own, you're going to save a bundle! Thrifting is just like treasure hunting in that you do need to dig through some trash before you find your buried treasures, but I promise you it's worth it.

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• Cook at home

  There is no reason you should be spending your hard-earned money on basic meals. It's high time you started to cook your own food at home. I know I know! The endurance, the clean-up, the frustrating realization that comes with knowing pasta, soups, and salads take minimal effort to prepare.

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• Set a monthly or weekly budget

  This seems so simple, but it's actually quite tricky. Setting a budget and sticking to it are two entirely different things. First, you'd need to revisit all your monthly expenses and see where it is you're spending most. Likely, it's rent, food, the basic essentials to live. Next, you'd need to make some hard decisions on where you can cut unnecessary spending, (maybe you don't need that new Kylie brow kit?)

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• Start seeing your savings as a 'luxury fund' not an 'emergency fund'

  Chances are your parents gave you a talking-to when you opened your first bank account. They must've told you, "Money goes fast. Save, save, save!" Their hearts may have been in the right place, but this mindset instills panic. It's a luxury to have enough cash coming in that you can set aside some for a rainy day. Treat it as such.

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• Set financial goals for yourself

  Which countries are on your bucket list? Which new Apple gadget have you been eyeing? You've visited how many Zillow listings this month? Start small, like saving up for a weekend getaway close to home. Slowly, add more challenging goals to your list. Be realistic, but optimistic. Keep the list somewhere visible and revisit these goals every payday.

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• However—don’t forget to indulge a little!

  Now that you have your goals written down and have cut out unnecessary spending for a few weeks, here's your chance to treat yourself to a little something. No, not those emerald Manolo Blahniks. We can't all be Carrie Bradshaw waltzing the streets quipping, 'Shopping is my cardio'. You and I both know that retail therapy is one of the best forms of therapy, but let's keep it within means. A nice steak dinner—WITH dessert! 

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• Shop in person vs. online

  I needn't tell you the temptation of checking out your Amazon cart while still in pajamas. We've all been there and for good reason. But at what expense? Literally. Statistics show that we spend so much more money when shopping from home, whereas in-store shopping keeps us on our toes.

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