Here’s an important lesson, after the holidays (or anytime, really): Whether you are single, seeing someone, or shacked up for life, remember to always keep your finances in check. It’s all too easy to start leaning on somebody else to pick up the check, and to totally lose sight of where your funds are coming from—or going. Maybe you went a little over the top with the gifting this season, or maybe you indulged just on yourself, but there’s no time like the present to take stock. What else is the end of the year for?
Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned in this crazy economic climate, it’s that everything can change in an instant. Maybe your work has suddenly downsized; maybe your very generous beau has found a new object of his affection; maybe the bottom fell out of the stock market, or your old reliable took a plunge. Maybe you’ll find yourself in some warped Carrie Bradshaw situation where you have to sell that stellar shoe collection and finally figure out how to use that oven for something other than storage. Maybe you need to find a new job? Maybe you need to look for a new apartment? Maybe you have to make some major decisions? Just do it: Pick yourself up, bite the bullet, and hustle.
The worst thing to it do is shroud yourself in sweatpants and mourn your current situation. Instead, dress for success when faced with a difficult (but passing) moment. Feeling exhausted? Try slapping some gold currency shine into your ensemble for a sleek mood elevation. Want to send out some job résumés? Don’t do it in loungewear: Throw on a verdant frock for an injection of cubicle chic. Most of all? Keep it polished with a high dose of red, plaid, and prep. After all is said and done and you’ve dug yourself out of a financial black hole, you can say you did it all by yourself—and looked good in the process.
