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Top Tips 2021: New Year’s Resolutions Can Be Achieved

Article provided by Community Foundation of the Ozarks

Looking to make this year look quite a bit different than last year? Are you open to some help in setting the right New Year’s Resolutions? You know, the ones that make it to March and make a real difference in 2021. If you are willing to dedicate a small amount of energy to an easy goal that will deliver big gains, try building a budget or volunteering.

One area that your life can likely use improvement is financial management and budgeting. When you create a budget, you essentially create a forecast of what life will be like for you in the short-term and long-term. Your resolutions might look something like this:

Budget Resolution: Create a budget for 2021 and check it against actual income and expenses monthly

Need help getting started on your Budget Resolution? You have two great options for getting started:

  1. The Department of Financial Stability at Community Partnership of the Ozarks (CPO) hosts a 4-week basic budgeting series that breaks down obstacles to successful budget development and implementation. During this series, you will track your income and expenses and create a budget. You will also have an opportunity to connect with a member of the local banking community for specialized guidance.
  2. More of the DIY type? Try the Create a Budget tool by Banzai Coach. This tool is a guided walk through of your finances and will allow you to better understand where you are currently.

There are no shortages of resources available to help you make a strong start to the year and gain a more secure financial future. It’s up to you to make the resolution and take the first steps. When you start walking, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who want to see you succeed!

Budget Resolution: Give back to the community through volunteerism

Want to give back while learning a new skill? There is a simple way to achieve both goals.

CPO’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free training to become an IRS-certified tax preparer. With two options, you can either learn online at your own pace or you can attend our 5-day seated training class.

Once certified, you will be able to volunteer through the VITA program to help low- to moderate-income individuals and families file their taxes for free. Last year, VITA brought over $2 million back to our local economy by helping people get the refunds they qualified to receive. Often, people do not know they qualify for these refunds, and the money they receive from returns goes a long way in helping them reach financial stability.

Want to learn more about basic budgeting or volunteering through the VITA program? Visit cpozarks.org/financial-literacy and take steps in the right direction with your resolutions!

Supported by Community Partnership of the Ozarks
Supported by Community Partnership of the Ozarks
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