Decisions That Can Change Your Life

It's almost that time of year to make a few resolutions. Why not get serious in 2023 and choose one action that can significantly improve your life? As the world becomes a more complex place and the international economic situation seems to get worse by the day, now is the ideal time to rededicate yourself to a change for the better. In addition to getting involved in real estate investing, many consider adding to their education, moving to another city, reorienting their careers, or adding a meditation session to their mornings. Review the following ideas or come up with some of your own for a New Year's resolution that can make a difference in how the rest of your life plays out.

Real Estate Investments

Investing in real estate has turned plenty of lives around since individuals first began getting involved in the market about 100 years ago. Since the 1920s, people have come up with many variations on the theme, including ownership of small homes, commercial buildings, multi-family units, vacation rentals, and more. Fortunately, the human imagination has not run out of real estate-related ideas yet.

One of the newest and most popular strategies that working adults are using in the 2020s involves something called house hacking. Actually, the term has been around for a while, but the technique is finally getting widespread attention and helping lots of homeowners generate additional income from properties they already own. Considering the fact that today's owners typically spend more than one-third of their income on housing costs, any extra income can go to offset that hefty expense.

An effective house hacking strategy can even help owners cover their mortgage payments in full, with enough capital left over to go toward things like retirement investments, routine expenses, travel, and more. House hacking leverages the power of traditional real estate investing techniques but uses them in new, interesting, and unique ways. If you ever decide to get into property management, the tactic is a good way to begin.

Degrees & Jobs

Earning a degree can be a time-consuming affair, but few regret the decision. Plus, loan programs exist for every budget, so don't let finances stand between you and a fresh start. Consider finding a school that offers online study and self-paced programs. That way, you won't have to leave a current job to earn a degree. A related resolution is to change jobs. Sometimes there's no better way to recharge the mental and emotional batteries than to switch careers and industries. Speak with a vocational counselor to get some ideas about what other lines of work would be a good match for your skills and goals.

Daily Meditation

People tend to focus so much on the best vegetables for weight loss, fad diets, and over-exercising, and less on their mental and spiritual health, but you should really make room for both. Unfortunately, meditation has gotten a negative reputation as being faith-based. While there's nothing wrong with that direction for people who want it, keep in mind that meditating can be an ideal way to relax body and mind, rinse away stress, and begin each day refreshed and balanced. There are hundreds of no-cost training sessions online, so you can choose one that aligns with your personal preferences. Most new meditators start with 10-minute sessions and build up to sittings of 30 minutes or longer.