Of all the many, many reasons we have to celebrate that 2021 is finally behind us, one of the best should be that we get to hit the reset button on our lives for the new year - and this time, make it our choice.

For while it hasn’t exactly been everything we’ve wanted it to be, what 2021 did prove to us, is that we don’t always get to choose what happens to us, but we always get to choose how we respond.

So with that in mind, we’re looking ahead to how we can choose to make 2022 a lot smarter, more productive and perhaps most importantly - wealthier. We say more importantly, not necessarily from the materialistically driven point of view, but rather from the survival point. If we’ve learned anything it’s that having access to passive incomes, or spare cash (not credit), in times of need is more important than ever.

If you can see it, you can build it.

We don’t want to sound too existential theory here, but it is true. However you want your year to pan out for you, you first have to know what that year is going to look like for you. This means taking some solid time for reflection and working through whatever baggage you have holding you back, any unresolved issues that stop you from thinking clearly and of great importance - any budgeting issues that are threatening your or your family’s financial security. Even if this means you have to get a little brutal. No, scrap that - especially if it means you have to get a little brutal.

Then, know where you’re at financially - right now.

This means conducting a thorough and honest audit of your family’s finances as arriving at the point of where they’re at, right now. Include all of your assets, current investments if you have them, any alternative or passive income streams - all of it. The $ amount at the bottom of the page is the true story of where you’re at and if you have a ‘minus’ in front of that number, don’t worry - just about all of us do. The ubiquitous ‘minus’ sign in and of itself isn't’ necessarily a bad thing. Rather, focus on why that ‘minus’ is there. If it’s because of your house and a car - that’s one thing, if it’s because of the seven unpaid credit cards and loans you have - that’s another - work on bringing those down first.

Now, plan your financial year - and work in some investing too.

Nobody said it would be easy, but you have to start somewhere and even if you’re only going to get to cut your debt in half this year, or erase it all together - you’d have succeeded in setting 2023 up before you arrive there - and that’s where things could get very exciting for you. The word on the street right now, is wealth creation, and it starts with just a few dollars and helps you grow your wealth over time. You’ll need some wealth management to help you along and to give you some solid advice.