10 ways to stay positive throughout January
January can be a difficult month for many of us, not only dealing with the darker days and the colder weather, but struggling with finances after the expense of Christmas. I think all of us can relate to December being an expensive month, I know that we are feeling the pinch throughout January!
A recent study of millennials, by Ferratum UK, reveals key information about how they spend and borrow money at Christmas with a whopping 41% admitting they were worried about not having enough money to pay for Christmas 2017. 27% of people asked said they were planning to borrow money to pay for Christmas and 48% have had to borrow money to afford previous Christmas’s.
I found it interesting to read that 1 in 4 people would cancel Christmas this year to clear their debt and yet 37% would borrow money to avoid missing an event they really wanted to go to.
Ferratum’s UK Country Manager, Tony Gundersen, commented on the results saying:
“The survey shows that Christmas can be a tough time for millennials to manage their finances. With nearly half of the survey respondents having borrowed money to fund their past Christmases, it’s important for those feeling the pinch to remember to scale back their spending if necessary and concentrate on essential bills and expenses.
With 42% of millennials hiding debt from their loved ones, and a quarter willing to cancel Christmas to clear their debts, it’s clear that more could be done to encourage opening up the discussion around finances. Our survey respondents could benefit from the knowledge and support of their family and friends, if they only reach out and ask for help.”
I found the results quite surprising and yet given these results it’s no wonder that so many people succumb to the January blues. For that reason I asked a group of bloggers for their tips to save money during January and the ways in which they stay positive.
1. Write a list of places which are free or really cheap, so when you have a really rough month you can still plan and enjoy places with your family. – Jaymee.
2. Treat yourself. It doesn’t have to be anything big but maybe paint your nails, buy a new lipstick or have a posh bottle of wine. They all help! – Beth.
3. Go to for a walk every day! There are plenty of health benefits and the fresh air will keep you motivated and positive. – Polly.
4. Having an EBay frenzy really focuses me and cheers me up. Getting a bit of extra cash for bits and bobs we don’t need and more, plus clearing some space in the house is such a positive feeling. I try to hoard the money away in a little savings account towards a holiday or family break. Saving is great for focusing too. – Vikki.
5. Stay away from the sales unless you need something specific. It’s easy to see a discount and think it’s a good deal, it isn’t unless you originally needed it! – Ayse.
6. Try keeping a budget diary in 2018, recording all income and expenses. Like a food diary, the thought of writing it down in a book actually makes you really think whether you need it rather than just spending on unnecessary rubbish! – Lucy.
7. I plan things to do in the coming months, I find having something to look forward to helps me get through January when money is tight, it’s cold and dark. – Laura.
8. Make sure you have things to look forward to, and don’t bother with New Years resolutions, they only make January more depressing! Make goals for the year instead, and find new activities to at the weekends. – Sabrina.
9. We write a bucket list for the year. It can be little things, like a picnic by the river, or big things like plan a weekend away. It gives us an idea of what we have to look forward to – but also helps us see what we need to save for. – Kim.
10. It’s easy to be despondent in January, especially if you think that last year ‘was a rubbish year’. I took some time out to review my photos on my phone that I took in each month last year: not only did it help reduce my storage on my phone (win!), but it was like a virtual memory jar of all of the good things we had done. – Jodie.
I love all of these ideas and I will definitely be taking them on board to make sure that our January is a happy one!
** This is a collaborative post **
Really great tips, especially going for walks. I swear by walks nowadays – they’re the perfect way to clear your head and lift your spirits!
I agree, there’s nothing better than fresh air! xx
These are some great ideas, I have to admit I’ve not sales shopped this year at all and I haven’t missed it one bit, which in some ways really surprised me.
Me too! I only ever end up making impulse buys anyway! xx
These are some brilliant ideas! I love to go for walks every day and treating myself every now and again
Me too, its important to spoil ourselves sometimes! xx
So many wise tips! Sometimes it’s easy to forget just how many free or inexpensive things there are to do. This is going to sound dorky, but my husband and I love to go to the library and spend a few hours reading magazines. It’s quiet, peaceful, and then he takes me for a hot chocolate after. Best date ever. x
Oh that’s so lovely! I love the library too, and of course a hot chocolate. It sounds like my idea of fun! xx
I have been having massive clear outs recently and I have a whole pile of stuff ready to go onto Ebay x
Yes me too! It feels good to have a clear out! xx
This is such a great list to follow when you are lost for thoughts on what to do in January. Making a list is the key I feel to doing everything you want to do and still not be bored.
I agree, making lists is always productive and helps to streamline your thoughts! xx
January can be a really tricky month but there’s some great tips here for helping to banish any blues! I definitely agree that getting fresh air and heading out for walks can help.
I think we are all a little tired from the madness of Christmas aren’t we? It’s always good to get outdoors. xx
Some great ideas here. I am a big advocat of getting outside for fresh air as it always makes me feel better
Me too, and it’s great for the vitamin D! xx
Indeed January is a hard month, especially after all those expenses of the winter holiday. I shall turn towards Ebay as well, I am decluttering my house this weekend and I have so many things that I could sell as I am not using.
Fab post!! Some great feel good ways to keep that smile on your face without feeling the strain! Thanks for sharing the tips!! xx
Thank you! xx
Love these tips, especially ensuring you have things to look forward to, however small they are. I think that’s really important and helps keep you going through those difficult times.
Yes I agree, we try to plan ahead for the spring! xx
January is so depressing. I really do agree with you about treating yourself as it is really important to
Yes I feel it too, Im ready for some sun now! xx
Thank you for this post because it’s so needed post Christmas celebration. Now it’s time to budget and be smart about our finances.
Yes I agree, it’s easier to budget in January I find as I lack motivation to spend money! xx
I love these tips and I go walking every day and love it. I live by the sea now and live where I don’t need a car to get anywhere so I find myself walking miles. It can clear my mind and just healthy ?
I would love to live by the sea, I find it so calming! xx
I so need an ebay frenzy! We are on a proper hardcore budget at the moment but weirdly it’s making me feel really positive and like I’m finally get on top of things. I hope I continue feeling this way! Thank you for the tips.
Yes I think having a budget can be really motivating! Good luck! xx
This is some really great advice, I love the idea of an eBay frenzy, especially after Christmas to de-clutter the house 🙂
Oh me too, I just need to summon up the energy! xx
This is a great list with some great ideas I think we all need a gentle reminder at this time of year of the importance of staying positive
I agree, its hard to be positive in the darkest, coldest month of the year, so we have to make a real effort!xx