2020 A Perfect Vision for a New Year
Many things give us hope and optimism about the coming year; the promise of 2020’s holidays such as Valentine’s, Halloween, Independence Day and Christmas conveniently falling on weekends, an election year with a smorgasbord of potential candidates and a fresh, blank canvas of the new decade begging to be painted.
Resolution by definition means “a decision or a determination” or “a firmness of position.” How many resolutions have we made in our lives where we may have been determined and firm in our decisions – but we didn’t deliver? A football player can have a resolution to make a touchdown, but until he makes the goal (line) it is only a vision.
According to “Time Magazine’s Complete List -Top 10 Commonly Broken New Year’s Resolutions” (2019) the top five most common resolutions listed are:
- Lose Weight/Get Fit
- Quit Smoking
- Learn something new
- Eat healthier / improve diet
- Get out of debt / save money
With all of the celebratory eating, holiday spending and over-indulging we create the need for these New Year’s resolutions. At first glance, you could approach these common goals by starting with #3s ambition, “learn something new.” Learn new eating habits, how to improve your diet and lose weight. Learn how to get control of our finances and plan for a rainy day.
Referring back to the football analogy, players near their goals by running yards and getting downs. This basic strategy is designed to inch closer to a touchdown. One of the easiest ways to get a taste of success towards your goals is to start with an appetizer from the resolution menu. Flipping the script to approach these ambitions as ongoing opportunities to reevaluate our personal lifetime progress is the key.
Get Motivated, Moving and Money-Savvy
Knowing the why behind the what is essential as well. Why do you want to be healthier and slimmer? To meet the love of your life or to live long enough to see your grandchildren’s children? Is your health at risk and eating right and moving more could help you get well? The “why” will drive the “what” and the “where-with-all” will be sure to follow!
More healthy habits come from bite-size changes according to an article in Real Simple, 15 Small Changes for a Leaner, Healthier You many new habits can be formed with a few shifts in your mindset. A few easy tips:
- Take a ten-minute walk during your lunch break
- Drink one glass of water before each meal
- Avoid pre-packaged foods
- Prep healthy foods ahead of time
- Make your lunch at home
Did you know the average American family spends over $3000 on eating out every year? With each minor change you will reap major rewards, strengthening your commitment to doing a tad more each day.
Environmental Health Consideration
Don’t dismiss the impact of your carbon footprint on your health – it also impacts the legacy left to the next generation as well. Many earth-conscious habits such as recycling and avoiding the use of needless packaging are actions worth incorporating into your routine. In a recent report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) shows the health and environmental impact of reducing the use of fossil fuels with the installation of solar energy decreases harmful emissions in the atmosphere. NREL found the reduction of nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide and many other particulates found in polluted air resulted in fewer cases of respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
A Sunny Attitude Can Brighten Your Savings
Your financial health is also something often neglected. “Lack of organization can harm your finances as much or more than being short on cash,” states investopedia.com in their essay 8 Steps To An Organized Financial Life. Intentional goals for your future needs have to be planned out to reach financial stability.
The following actions are a good place to begin:
- Sit down with a financial planner
- Create a realistic budget
- Aim to pay down high interest credit cards
- Refinance your higher interest loans
Start with these steps for a head start to financial health with reachable wins.
Being open to other resources to make your dollars go further are worth a look. As a home or business owner, you may be surprised to know there are significant financial benefits to be reaped with solar power, not to mention the positive impact you will make on the environment. One can save money by having solar energy installed in your business or home. You may think you can’t afford to do this, but you have many options to pay for your solar system.
One of several options for saving with solar energy is by applying for a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) where you purchase power provided by the equipment owned by a third party, installed on your property. You will get a lower energy rate and you aren’t responsible for maintenance or repair since it’s not your equipment.
When thinking of your future and how to leave a positive legacy for generations to come, you can be confident there is longevity in the initial investment. Our A.M. Sun Solar family is happy to assist you with your questions and suggest other options to get your solar installation in place.
Your Referrals are Money!
Stash some easy cash by sharing your knowledge about the benefits of solar energy with colleagues and friends. Just by getting your peers excited about A.M. Sun Solar you could easily make $500 per referral. It’s as easy as 1-2-3:
- Download the A.M. Sun Solar’s app to share information and get status updates on your recommendations.
- Wait for your notification your referral has been accepted
- You get notified of your $500 finder’s fee, once your referral’s installation is complete
Cha-ching!
Peace of Mind – Keeping the Lights On
The holidays wouldn’t be the same without colorful lights, although traditional candles for your Tannenbaum could be nostalgic; it’s impractical and frankly, unsafe. If one of your resolutions is to have peace of mind (along with peace on Earth), having solar energy generate your juice is a solid plan. California has faced some serious environmental and energy crisis in its history.
The recent wildfires attributed to equipment failure causing many residents and businesses to experience the consequences. According to an article by CNBC “In an era of climate change and increasing wildfires, being able to get off the grid is important.” Being confident you can continue to obtain power despite any shortages or shut-offs is a true advantage to having your own solar panels installed at your business or residence.
Even if you master and conquer just one of your resolution goals, it’s a step in the right direction. There is (sun)light at the end of the tunnel! Celebrate 2020 with the perfect vision of financial, environmental, physical and mental health. Happy New Year and take that first step to manifest those goals.