The Cost of Resolutions: Happy New You!

In the 90's and 000's, New Years Resolutions were simple and focused on the mantra of "Self Improvement". Companies like Lulu-Lemon, who inspired personal gratitude skyrocket to the top of consumer awareness because they encouraged the buyers of the brand to reach their self improvement goals. I am anything but perfect. I'm a work of art, a masterpiece that has yet to be fully achieved. In truth, I hope I never reach my artistic and pragmatic concept of perfection. To reach my ideal version of self, would be a disappointment and an oxymoron. Improvement and resolutions are progressive and continual; perfection in static and passé. 

I hope to evolve and transform through out my life as I learn and grow through experience. The resolution of yesteryear's of the 90's and 2000's are being forgotten. Long gone are the self promises to quite smoking, continue education, and commit to fad diets. The highly coveted and desired resolution of 2012 have a focus on creating more; "me" time, such as to read more; or you time, through volunteer work. For 2012, the financial hangover on 2008 is still very present and people do not wish to spend a lot of money to achieve their resolutions. Bloomberg reports that gym enrollment through the last quarter on 2011 has declined; while do it yourself at home fitness gifts such as: Tracy Anderson Method, have increased in sales. 

Top 2012 Resolutions:

Get Fit at home vs. the gym

gym

Cost of a trainer for 100 sessions: $7000, cost of a one year gym membership $600

= $7,600

Home:

Tracy Metamorphosis:

$29.99 a month, $360 a year, plus $30 for a mat, and $40 for equipment

= $430 a year (saving of $7,170).

Weight loss:

$2,646 dollars of a one year membership to Equinox or $479 of a one year membership to weight watchers

Debt Reduction:

 $23 per month to enroll in a debt management plan. 

Increased Organization:

( on my list) 

$ 7, "clear your space, clear your mind." by Lina J. Parks

Read more:

Book costs....and or tablet computer cost of $699

Find a New Job:

The opportunity cost of quitting and searching for new employment, plus the necessary personal appearance investment to look presentable.

Volunteer more/serve on a non-profit board:

Time costs, opportunity costs, potential for increased stress and less time with family and friends. Potential for personal disconnect if the organization does not fit with your personal philosophies. This resolution is a a positive concentration, however it needs to complement you and your lifestyle not meet the criteria you have set to "achieve an ideal" persona. 

No one, not even those with unbelievable personal will power/ super powers has the ability to stay committed to all of the above resolutions. The trick of discovering a new and improved you is to focus on one resolution and commit. 

A Nation of Shop-o-holics

Nothing good ever happens past midnight, the so called witching hour. Growing up, I received countless lectures on the dangers of the so called trouble hour. Legend has is it, that a midnight, things change, people change and impulses are mythically heightened. The day no longer belongs to us. What happens though, when the witching hour changes and transforms itself into a daylight intoxication? The heightened impulse of  midnight has found a new time to dominate and a new venue for seduction.

The once; exclusive fashion sample sale, has been moved online and made accessible to any person with a accesses to the Internet and a valid credit card. In the US Internet shopping is a $111 billion industry. Thoutnet.com, net-a-porter.com, ruelala.com, and hautelook.com, are just a few of many online flash sale sites that offer shoppers amazing discounts on high end goods. 

Statistics Canada indicates that most common purchase online are Travel Services, Entertainment products, and Fashion related goods. Flash sale sites, confuse us on the concept of value and price. The massive variance between sale and non-sale items leaves us with a constant feeling of cognitive dissonance (buyers remorse), and an urge to click. The lure, of the sale and the anonymity of online shopping is addictive; there is adrenalin associated with the feeling or believe that you have beaten the system. 

Psychology Today, did an article about the seduction of and appeal of compulsive shopping. The research suggested that the Internet is a strong trigger for compulsive buyers. The variety of products and the ability to purchase on-observed and the instant gratification is the hook; the fear of missing out an amazing buy further compliments the seduction technique of online shopping. 

Over the past five years, with the advance of and mass acceptance of E-shopping, credit card debt has risen. In the US, with a population of 330 million, there are more that 610 million credit cards issues. The average person of age to own a credit card has 3-4, all with a 14% or higher annual interest rate.  It estimated that the average credit card debt in the states is $15,799, and that many card holders use the available finds from one card to pay off the debt on another. 

Consumer protection groups have recently began to lobby against flash sales sites and other online shopping retailers. It is believed that in the near future, online shopping will be accompanied by "responsible shopping," adverts and promotions.