الرئيسية
Wallets are opening up this holiday season.
Some of that
spending will be rewarding, but some will lead to a debt hangover in
2012. Pausing to develop a spending plan can help limit impulsive credit
card purchases and set your priorities for the coming year.
With
that in mind, these 12 ways to spend $1,200 in 2012 offer a mix of the
practical and the indulgent. Even if you don't have that much, the tips
may give you some ideas on how to get the most from your money to help
you and others.
1. Invest in your career.
Take steps to
jump-start your career: Pursue a professional certification, sign up for
a college course, get proactive about a job search.
Thinking
about changing fields? Start with four hours of private coaching at $125
an hour to get an assessment, customized resume, targeted cover letter
and a plan for your search. Then get group coaching to help brainstorm
strategy. The Five O'Clock Club, a national career counseling and
outplacement company, charges $380 for 10 weeks of coaching sessions by
teleconference. Spend the remaining $320 on networking lunches and new
clothes so you look sharp and feel confident.
You probably need
the outside help. Only 3 percent of jobs are filled through search firms
and 3 percent through ads, says Kate Wendleton, Five O'Clock's
president.
2. Gear up with a new computer.
Some of that
spending will be rewarding, but some will lead to a debt hangover in
2012. Pausing to develop a spending plan can help limit impulsive credit
card purchases and set your priorities for the coming year.
With
that in mind, these 12 ways to spend $1,200 in 2012 offer a mix of the
practical and the indulgent. Even if you don't have that much, the tips
may give you some ideas on how to get the most from your money to help
you and others.
1. Invest in your career.
Take steps to
jump-start your career: Pursue a professional certification, sign up for
a college course, get proactive about a job search.
Thinking
about changing fields? Start with four hours of private coaching at $125
an hour to get an assessment, customized resume, targeted cover letter
and a plan for your search. Then get group coaching to help brainstorm
strategy. The Five O'Clock Club, a national career counseling and
outplacement company, charges $380 for 10 weeks of coaching sessions by
teleconference. Spend the remaining $320 on networking lunches and new
clothes so you look sharp and feel confident.
You probably need
the outside help. Only 3 percent of jobs are filled through search firms
and 3 percent through ads, says Kate Wendleton, Five O'Clock's
president.
2. Gear up with a new computer.