10 Things You Should and Shouldn’t Buy in the New Year

My birthday is on New Years Eve, so every year I spend that night partying with friends and family. However, the next day I never want to start any New Years Resolutions, because I feel I should at least get a birthday week. The commercials pretty much start the day after Christmas for gyms, food systems, and more. We are going to discuss 10 Things You Shouldn’t Buy in the New Year. Some things truly are a waste of money, and advertisers want to get you on the health & wealth bandwagon by January 1st. We’re going to show you where to put your money in the new year to show the maximum amount of savings in 2016.

10 Things You Should & Shouldn’t Buy In the New Year

1. Gym Memberships. Here’s the deal about the gym membership. If you can get a gym membership for $10 a month (we have a local center that is truly that inexpensive), then it might be worth it.  However, this whole lifestyle choice should be based on your personality. I’m extremely driven, so I don’t need a gym membership, because I’m going to walk or workout most days whether I have a gym membership or not. I also have two children and work full-time, so it’s unrealistic to think I’m going to find a sitter to watch them several nights a week. My husband, however, needs the accountability, and for a time, he even had a personal trainer until he made going to the gym a habit. This was worth it for our family, and not super expensive. So the question about the gym is, how much are they charging and will you really use the membership.
2. Exercise Equipment. If you feel that you are motivated enough to workout at home regularly, January is the time to purchase that treadmill or elliptical.  Retailers know you are looking to get healthy in the new year (who isn’t), and they will market their products to you at a very low cost. However, if this is going to become your next dresser or clothing catch-all, leave the deals behind.
3. Diet programs.   Most Americans do not take the time to take care of themselves. Did you know most Americans eat over 50 pounds of sugar a year? We don’t take the time to plan healthy meals or cook healthy meals. I know you aren’t going to want to hear this, but you need to slow down. We all need to slow down and take time for ourselves. To feed ourselves, water ourselves (you know what I mean), exercise our bodies, teach our children, etc. Read our article about How to Become a Minimalist. It’s so much easier when material possessions aren’t ruling your life. You will find that you have more time. Take the time to cook for yourself and feed yourself healthy foods. Once you master this you will eat well for the rest of your life.  Check out our Organic section of the blog to learn more about how we try to eat healthy foods.
4. Fitness technology. There are many new items out right now that cost so much money that you really don’t need. Let me tell you, you don’t need that Apple watch. You may want it, but you certainly don’t need it. Let me help you, don’t waste your money on Fitness technology. If you want a really smart option, grab these Top 10 Fitness Apps for your phone. Many of them are free and will save you a boatload of money on that new Fit Bit or Apple Watch.

1. Essential Oils. We love our Young Living Essential Oils. We use them in our house everyday, and they are a wonderful investment for our health. However, we do want to caution you that you really need to be educated about how to use them, so we recommend joining an oily family that offers plenty of education on how to use them. Check out this article on How to Lose Weight with Essential Oils. Our members receive valuable information and training via You Tube videos, a Facebook group, a personal one-on-one phone call, emails and more. Many times people purchase their first set of EO’s but then are in the dark about how to use them. Make sure you join an oily family that is knowledgable.  Check out all of our Essential Oil posts.
2. Fitness Video Games.  Changes are you still may be able to get some good deals, but if you like to work out by playing Dance Party or other games, Black Friday was probably your best bet. However, if you are determined to use it to get in shape, we say purchase it. If for some reason you decide not to use it, try to trade it at a Video Game store, or sell in a Yard Sale Facebook group. This type of fitness is great for someone who might find a treadmill at home boring, but yet not have the time or money to join a fitness center.
3. Doctors and copays. If you have an FSA, many health care plans renew at the end of the calendar year. You should make sure to schedule all of those appointments before the end of the year.  However, a lot of insurance companies cover the entire cost of an annual physical, and that is something that is very beneficial for attaining better health in the new year.
4. Debt.  Debt is never a good thing, whether before or after the new year.  Even if there are new great car incentives or hot deals, we don’t recommend going into debt just to get the good deal (In the end, the interest usually ends up being more than the deal itself).  Also, debt causes stress and that is not good for your health.  Also, getting out of debt in the new year is a very health habit. Read more about our Financial Freedom Plan, which is totally free. You may also want to go on our Spending Freeze in the new year as well, and read more about our own Debt Free Journey.
5. Nutritionist & Nutritious Food.  We discussed diet plans earlier, so what you should be buying in the new year is nutritious, organic food without a lot of processed sugars and high fat.  It may be worth investing in meeting with a nutritionist to discuss your eating habits and see where you need to change food choices.
6. Supplements. There are certain supplements that can be very beneficial to your health.  While we recommend talking to your doctor about which supplements are best, we personally prefer a multi-vitamin, probiotic, and our Young Living Ningxia Red as supplements. Be careful about taking single vitamins (i.e., B6, B12, A, D, E, K, etc.), because certain ones in high doses can cause more health problems.

In conclusion, there are some great ways to save in the new year, and there are times we should and shouldn’t spend out money. Comment below and let us know what you think should be on our list.