This time of year, many of us are reflecting on things we could improve about ourselves in the coming year. Maybe you want to finally take that European vacation you have been dreaming of since you watched Emily in Paris, or maybe you just want to lose a couple of pounds. If you are struggling to find a worthwhile resolution this year, however, here are a few suggestions that could help you end 2026 better than you started it.
Idea #1 Improving your credit score
Now, this is not a very exciting sounding resolution, I will admit. It does, however, have the capacity to improve many areas of your life. Not only can improving your credit score increase your borrowing limits, but it can also reduce your interest rates on credit lines and mortgages. Here are a couple of ways you can help improve that score.
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Pay everything on time (this matters most)
Payment history is the number one factor. Even one late payment of 30 days or more can hurt for years. -
Keep credit utilization low
Aim to use under 30 percent of your available credit. Under 10 to 20 percent is even better.
Example: If your limit is $10,000, try to keep balances under $3,000.
Paying balances before the statement date helps. -
Do not close old accounts
Length of credit history matters.
Keep your oldest credit card open, even if you barely use it.
Put a small charge on it every few months to keep it active.
Idea #2 Learn a new hobby or trade
One summer evening, a pretty severe storm ripped through my neighbourhood, a fairly common occurrence here in Edmonton, Alberta, and tore off some shingles from my garage. It was inconvenient and looked pretty unsightly. After calling around to a couple of local trades and being told I could be waiting several weeks to have the work done, I decided to try my hand at shingle installation.
Our garage was fairly low to the ground, and I felt safe enough to do it on my own, which is not something I would recommend for everyone or for every property. One weekend and many hours of YouTube later, I managed to get the shingles up and, honestly, I am pretty happy with the result.
This does not diminish the value of skilled trades, and there are many things I would not recommend doing on your own, particularly dangerous work involving electrical or structural components that require permits. That said, you might surprise yourself as a handy person. Try patching up that wall in the closet that catches your eye every time you open it. Replace that leaky faucet in the spare bathroom.
Idea #3 Green your thumb
Let’s face it, most of us are not avid gardeners. Try as we may, we buy those little hanging baskets from Home Depot in the spring, fooling ourselves into thinking we have done our bit for the year. Did you know that the curb appeal of your home can increase a buyer’s perception of its value? A couple of perennial garden beds, or even a simple rock garden paired with a healthy lawn, can go a long way.
Perhaps this year, learning how to care for your garden and making it the best one yet can be your resolution. For condo dwellers, you are out of luck. Just kidding. My client Kathy grows the most delicious tomatoes right on her balcony. A few hanging plants can turn a little space into a small paradise. Look for something you can bring indoors during the winter to keep the green going all year long.
As for me, what is my New Year’s resolution? I am looking forward to helping more families than ever before buy or sell their homes. I am particularly interested in working with more rural families this year, so keep me in mind if buying a hobby farm happens to be on your resolution list.
