Today’s Work It Daily Challenge is to track your spending habits. Feel like you never have any extra cash? Not sure where your money goes each month? Most of us wish we could have a little more money in the bank. And for many, the secret to achieving this is quite simple: keep a closer eye on your spending. You might not realize it, but your extra money could be getting sucked into a deep, dark pit of mindless spending. Today, take a look at your accounts and track your spending habits. What are you spending your money on each month? You’ll be surprised at how much little things, like your morning coffee run, add up. You can track your spending habits using an app on your phone, or you can create a spreadsheet on your computer. Or, you can simply print out your account statements to see where you're spending your money. Highlight things like coffee, going out to eat, and other unnecessary expenses in the same color, then add it all up. You might be shocked at the number. Here's an example. If you spend $2 per day on coffee for a whole month, it's costing you $60 per month for your daily caffeine fix - or, $720 per year! Instead, cut down on your coffee treats to once a week, or make your coffee at home (which is significantly cheaper). As you can see, those little things add up. Once you're aware of where you're spending your money, you can adjust your habits and start saving more money. How do you track your spending habits each month? What's secretly sucking the life out of your bank account? Let us know!
Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
Bigstock
Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.