Ask the Readers: Hope in a New Year? (Chance to Win $10)
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mattwi1s0n ** Congrats to our winners! ***
- Comment #33: Always Hopeful Submitted by LiveCheap.com on December 29, 2009 - 20:24 Looking to be in the best shape of my life in 2010 with a great runup in the second half of 2009. Don't expect the economy to do very well and everything will be a challenge for most people but opportunities still present themselves. Looking forward to cranking up LiveCheap further and having new addition to the family and spending more time with the people I love. Hard work doesn't always pay off every day, but over the long haul it wins out in any economy. Best wishes for everyone this year, next and beyond.
- @savingforhome I love the fresh start of the new year! The end of 2009 was extremely stressful, so I'm looking forward to the new year. @wisebread #WBAsk
As everyone relaxes from a whirlwind of holiday activity, cleans their houses and settles back into their regular routine, many are looking ahead to a bright future in 2010. Others aren't so convinced of the new year's promises, as the job market may be bleak in their area or tax time signals new financial difficulties.
With each passing year, however, we like to reflect upon the old and look hopefully toward the new, and this year is no different. What about you? Are you hopeful for what 2010 may bring? Are you scared? Do you prefer to just keep doing what you've been doing with little regard to the changing of the dates?
Share your thoughts here in our comment thread or on Twitter, and you'll be entered to win one of two $10 Amazon giveaways. Dozens of readers have already won. You could be next!
We encourage you to continue looking up, supporting one another, and being such a loyal part of our online community. And to celebrate what we think will be a FANSTASTIC 2010, we'd like to suggest these uplifting reads:
- 5 Tips for Making Do with the Right Now
- Feeling Stuck? 100 Ways to Change Your Life
- Live Like There's No Tomorrow
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At the end of the drawing, we'll update this post to include (and link to) all of your helpful responses.
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I haven't had a very good year this year, starting off with illness that lead to job loss and prolonged unemployment, so I am very hopeful 2010 will be a much better year for me. I can't see it getting much worse! I am looking foward to the new/fresh start that comes with each new year.
I'm pretty hopeful for 2010! Going to be planning for my wedding, have a new sister-in-law, and going to be better balancing life in general. Yay to a new start!
I definitely have hope for the New Year. Without hope, you have despair....and who needs more of that....?
I'm looking forward to 2010, though I'm also a little nervous as well. I'll be graduating this coming May, so the summer and beyond remain murky for me. But I embrace the challenge, and am excited for what I'll do and achieve in 2010.
I have hope but am going to make efforts to turn that hope into reality. This year I got the finanaces under control, this coming year I plan to do the same with exercise.
I hope for 2010 what I did not see this year ...
-I hope for advancement in individual freedoms not only in the US, but abroad ... that makes living worth while
-I hope for Americans to get back to our roots and re-discover what it means to be an American ... the way we did during 911 ... take care one another w/o government enforcement and its unintended consequences
-I hope to be proud of our country ... be able to tell my daughter that we come from the greatest country in the world ... make my day-to-day efforts seem important ... making a better place to leave behind
-I hope that the inventive/entrepreneurial spirit comes back to America ... that way we can solve our problems
-I hope that we move back to the "values" of our founding fathers ... that way we will have direction, a compass
-I hope that we put Americans back to work
I'm hopeful but also scared because I will be making a lot of big decisions in the coming year. I'm hoping that the economy and the job market will improve greatly.
My husband and I have a number of big decisions to make for 2010 (maybe moving, going to grad school, etc), but I am very excited for whatever we decide!
I am hopeful that I will take all I have learned & put it to good use toward helping my family to become debt-free and financially sound.
Honestly, I haven't felt the effect of the economy where I work. I have continued to get raises/promotions except for a brief few months when they froze everything. I have been able to save quite a bit in 2009 and hope that continues through 2010. Things have gone quite well for me in 2009 and I hope that everything continues to get better for everyone. I am more anxious to see what 2010 brings us all.
2009 was the rock bottom so 2010 just has to get better.
doen't it?
I am always hopeful each new year. This year I would like to try to be healthier--eating healthier, excercising more regularly. Not only for my own health, but I feel I need to set more positive examples for my children. I am not sure how to do this, as finances are difficult, but I hope to educate myself on making healthier, economically sound choices.
well ive already been told my job doesnt exist from may...whohoo!!! i havent had a summer off since i was at school, this is gonna be great :-P
I generally ignore the new year. It's just another day. I think 2010 will be pretty similar to 2009. I don't expect the world to end or the US to fall tomorrow.
My hubby & I continue to work on our debt as well as carry on living frugally with fun. We pulled in "extra" income in December - which helped w/xmas - altho I had already knitted scarves for EVERYONE! Hubby's job holds fast & I continue in my performing work - Actually things look rosy for 2010 - but we are so used to pennypinchying that we have turned it into a high art!
10 reasons I'm hopeful about 2010 (in no particular order): I quit smoking this year. My husband and I are decreasing our debt load. The economy is improving. If the company where I work fails, it will be the impetus for my return to the nonprofit work I love. My marriage is happier than ever. I've reconnected with old friends. We're using more solar power at home. The new mattress has eased my back pain. I've lived to see 2010 and share it with friends and family I love.
I'm hopeful, it's an exciting time to be alive - albeit a little scary with all the economic and policy changes of late.
But I've found that regardless of where I am in life there is always people who have a tougher time than me. If you don't think so then find a local nonprofit and volunteer your time, you'll appreciate life more.
I've recently become more involved with http://www.ForgottenVoices.org and I've got to tell you I say I'm doing it to help others but really I'm the one who ends up benefiting.
Bring on 2010!
I am looking forward to 2010, but I am not anticipating any big changes.
i am hopeful for 2010. 2009 was a very difficult year physically for my husband and i was not too skilled as a nurse. so with him healthy we should have a much better year.
2010 is going to rock. I even have a job this year!
I'm always hopeful at the start of a new year.
The second half of this year has definitely been the worst so far with hardly anyone showing an interest in employing me despite my sending out hundreds of resumes. Unless I'm living in a cardboard box and begging for cash by the end of 2010, things really can't get much worse, right?
I'm also joyful, scared, determined, and eager! Who is this strange person I've become? :)
I believe 2010 will be a fresh new and upward start for most of us. Let us hope this new year will bring a new round of thinking that most worthwhile things in life are a long-term investment that comes after work, not a quick handout that happens instantly and you pay for years later.
Hope is not a course of action. Set definite goals and work them. Hope is passive. Be positive and take action.
I am always hopeful but often disappointed. Is hopefulness a mental disorder that I suffer from, since it seems to fly against reality (especially in the last 10 maybe 30 years)?
I'm not hopeful because I have been out of work a year already and there is no sign of job recovery here at all. I'm not scared, though, because years of frugality has left me with the knowhow and sufficient cash reserves to weather the storm.
2009 was a tough year in a number of ways (starting off with knee surgery just a few days into the year). I'm hopeful for a better 2010.
At the bottom of a supposed nadir there's always the view to a climax, whether real or imagined. It's that hope that keeps the human spirit going. Happy New Year!
2010, for my husband and I at least, promises to be happier and lower-stress than 2009. I say, bring it on!
We all somtimes need a reminder to look for the positive. Unemployment is up but thankfully 85% of us are still employed.
We each have a chance to start fresh, make positive changes and look forward to improvements we can make, even the smallest changes can effect our lives. It is a time to reflect on what we have, not what we don't.
If you have your health and people you love, consider yourself rich.
Happy 2010, Cheers to a great year ahead!
I have some goals for the New Years, but they are all relating to taking further steps in the direction I am already heading in. Nothing is new or drastic, just measurable steps to get me closer to my goals.
Looking to be in the best shape of my life in 2010 with a great runup in the second half of 2009. Don't expect the economy to do very well and everything will be a challenge for most people but opportunities still present themselves.
Looking forward to cranking up LiveCheap further and having new addition to the family and spending more time with the people I love. Hard work doesn't always pay off every day, but over the long haul it wins out in any economy.
Best wishes for everyone this year, next and beyond.
I retired this year after working 35 yrs in a factory. I'm managing on a limited income and I don't see things getting a whole lot better for 2010, financially wise that is. I've canned food and used a dehydrator for back up food sources. I will probably have to take a part time job to help with taxes and utility bills.
On the plus side, my health is under control and my debt is slowly getting closer to zero! There's always hope for 2010.
2009 was a tough year for many of us, but I want to believe it makes us wiser and stronger into the year of 2010.
I'm excited for the future. The way I see it, if things are so bad, then they can only get better from here!
I always have high, but not unrealistic hopes at the beginning of the year. They are financial, spiritual, physical, emotional, and educational. Thankfully for this year, me and my family all have our health, a roof over our heads, enough to eat, a job, a little extra for giving and for fun, and always each other.
I always have high, but not unrealistic hopes at the beginning of the year. They are financial, spiritual, physical, emotional, and educational. Thankfully for this year, me and my family all have our health, a roof over our heads, enough to eat, a job, a little extra for giving and for fun, and always each other.
This year really wasn't so bad. I would LOVE to see my husband fully employed instead of going from one thing to another. In 2010 I will see my oldest go off to college. I can't get over how quickly those babies grow.
Barb
I am very hopeful for 2010. Things are extremely tough financially for my family right now, but we have a plan, and we are sticking to it! I am very optimistic. :)
I am sure in new year:
1) I'll find my dream job.
2) I'll meet my all financial and personal goals.
3) I'll be as happy as I was in last 2 years. :)
This year has started a huge change in my life: erasing damages, becoming more at peace with myself and life. 2010 is, by definition, MADE of hope for me - to continue making positive steps to better myself, reach goals and finally leave the past where it lay.
I am looking forward to 2010 because 2009 was so diffucult for us as a nation. I'm looking forward to recommiting myself to the frugal lifestyle and living simply. Even though I am extemely frugal, I do slip a little over the Christmas season even with a Christmas budget. I'm excited for the nation as I think most people will continue to look at wants vs. needs a little more closely, pay down debt and save like they were forced to do in 2009. I hope this becomes a lifestyle change for the nation and not just a temporary bandaid.
It seems that every year has its challenges and rewards, some years more challenges and letdowns than usual. So, psychologically I love the beginning of a new year where you can feel that it's a 'fresh start' and hopefully, things will go a *little* better, and you strive from the first day of January to feel more positive and work harder towards making that year to come absolutely wonderful!
I'm generally excited about the new year...2009 was spent mourning my father (who passed away Dec. 21, 2008) and being in a funk. 2010? Will be a year that I try http://www.happiness-project.com (Gretchen Rubin).
I'm very hopeful!
As I head toward my 50th year in life, I realize that there will always be ebbs and flows in life, finance, jobs, tragedies and joys. For us, 2010 will be a new year of changes, ds will head off to college and our nest will be empty after years of homeschooling. Despite my husband's limited retirement income, we are eating quite well and I will be able to build my business to help supplement our finances. It is my faith and hope in the Lord that makes life content through it all.
I hope to establish my future career in the next year, as well as strengthen my family and friendship bonds.
Of course there is hope! Hope that people will get along, hope that the economy will get better, hope that our jobs will be stable and hope that we can learn, grow, and keep moving forward.
My hope is that people can learn and improve their lives and themselves personally, myself included! I have plans and goals that I hope to reach this next year, and the year after, and the years following those. It is sad that there are those who have no goals for the future, because if you don't have any aim, you'll hit nothing every time!
I hate New Years, I think it should be a time of reflection, and normally that is pretty depressing. In our situation, I am expecting a much better year, as we are both doing well in our jobs, and I am working full-time now. We are actually looking into buying a house, which was just a dream before, I am going to be into my second, third, and fourth semesters of grad school in 2010, and we have 2 trips planed. I have a lot of hope for the new year I guess, just wish it wasn't so hard to maintain.
I live in northeastern Minnesota where the taconite industry (steel) has been hit hard by the downturn, all of the five mines in the area laying off and/or shutting down for a period of a year. Recently, all of these mines began hiring back and starting up some of their lines. The mine my husband is employed with worked with the union to go to a 32 hour work week instead of lay off so all employees could retain their health insurance. We are optimistically hopeful that things are turning around and have begun to purchase larger ticket items again. We are truly grateful that our major industry is back on its feet and prepared for the downturn realistically and strategically. We see most of our communities recovering and have not lost many businesses. We are truly grateful and extremely hopeful the world economy will grow in a more controlled and positive environmental fashion. We all control our attitude in life and share in the responsibility to maintain our beautiful world so future generations can appreciate it also.
I have to say that the most important skill I've had to learn over the past year is "settling"- for being underemployed at a mediocre job over none at all, for just making ends meet (or not quite), for repairing and reusing and making do. All that sounds so negative, but the truth is, I have adjusted my perspective accordingly, and have been happy. I have found that I really didn't need so much after all, and that unpaid bills, re- and re-soled shoes, pancake dinners and more time at home with family and board games and books haven't ruined me or driven me crazy. Quite the opposite- I'm looking forward to the future free of fear of debt, since we're so well acquainted now! Knowing that you've seen the worst, and lived through the uncertain times, the future seems less menacing.
hopeful, and acting on it! I'm gearing for a new job next year!
2010 just has to be better for us than 2009 has been!
My daughter just turned 18 this week and is entering a new phase of life. I guess its a test to see how much wisdom we were able to pass on and how much she will acquire on her own!
I'm hopeful about 2010! Our son graduates college in May and hopes to move out of state and find a good job. All fingers, toes and any other crossable things are crossed for him!
I am hopeful that I will earn a promotion at my current job.
I'm always hopeful! The next year always has to be better than the last, and I'm always up for the betterment of my life :)
No point in being scared of the future because whatever happens happens. You can, however, take steps to try to make things the best they can be and when adversity strikes you can choose to deal with it head on. I always enjoy New Year's and this one will be no exception. Though 2009 wasn't a bad year for me I always think there's room for improvement (exercise a little more, save more money, etc.). Onward and upward! Happy New Year all!
Unlike most people (I think), 2009 was a pretty good year for me. There were some lows, sure, but there were some pretty awesome highs as well. I don't expect 2010 to be quite as good (after all, I can't expect to get a free month in England every year), but maybe we'll work out a long-awaited move back to where I grew up.
A contract job with great potential to go full-time, plus a bunch of offers, fell out of the sky early December, which has never happened to me before. Everything looks very positive, so, after being unemployed for about a year and a half, I'm hoping one of my many options will become more permanent, and in a way that fits in with my time/space/happiness needs.
Also, 2010 is the year of getting back on my feet financially with a sustainably frugal tone. I'm hoping to live frugally in more of a "this is cozy, dare I say, *comfy*" way instead of a "I haven't seen money in so long, I'd throw rocks at it" way. You know, then, like, live that way the rest of my life, and be happy.
Oh, and rock climbing. Way more rock climbing. And nature. And stuff. Hope for health, happiness, and the outdoors.
Here's hoping all the Wise Bread readers have tons of hope!
nothing ventured, nothing gained. nothing changes if nothing changes. though trite and cliche these will be my motto going strong into the new decade.
2009 has been tough-- unemployment at home, tighter finances to deal with, uncertainty about the future (post graduation). However, I'm optimistic about 2010. Hope and diligence-- I think it's the things that will get us anywhere.
I am always hopeful for a new year however this year I am hoping for a lot. I'm nervous because I will need to find a new job next month bc my contract will be ending. In this economy I'm not sure how long I may possibly be out of work. My husband and I also are really hoping to purchase a place whether it is a condo or home which of course also makes me nervous about finding a job. I hope to get a $10k increase to make that dream attainable!!
Pagan people follow the solar calendar. I believe more on the Lunar Calendar because it is the one used on the Bible. So, I have hope for new years, only not this date, but march next year... However, I still think I will continue to have hope, because that is the last thing you should lose...
I really do have some high hopes for the New Year. I'm planning a big trip, some photography lessons, and to get better grades this semester.
I would hate to be without hope. Luckily I have never felt that a situation was hopeless and 2010 is no exception. That being said I am also preparing and not just relying on hope to get me through 2010.
Christine
Taking down all the Christmas stuff is a priority.
Cleaning the house real good is another one--I think it helps to get the New Year off to a good start.
After that, it is hoping to expand my two businesses that I started in 2009, heading in the direction of quitting my daytime job.
Post is tweeted too~!
I always see the new year as a fresh start--a chance to start things off the way I really want them to be, so I'm looking forward to the new year to see how well I can do at accomplishing my new goals and having a new outlook.
Things in my life have been really hard for a while, but this thread got me thinking. I made a post about it on a website I'm building as a network for people who are struggling to share helpful ideas with each other. ( http://poor-folks-helping-poor-folks.webs.com/apps/blog/show/2464419-don... ) It really made me think, and although I was feeling a little gloomy about the potentials of the New Year, for some reason I'm suddenly excited. I hope it will be a good year for all of us!
I am full of hope to return to college as a Botanist,mother of 4,i hope this happens wish me luck !~Misskathy76
Last year was challenging. This year I hope to be more organized, healthier, and create some balance in my life! I hope to get better at prioritizing the important things... and letting the rest take care of itself.