Happy New (Vegan) Year!

Anyone’s first day living vegan is something to celebrate, but it is especially heartwarming to me personally that Sacha Brown took time today – her first day vegan – to sign The Vegan Pledge:

Today, 10th Jan 2012, was my 1st day as a vegan. I am finding it easy because I really want to but let’s see how the rest of my life goes, lol. I need recipes that are sweet and tasty! And quick and easy as I am a mum of 2!

I am doing it to improve health and to be at one with my environment. I use shea butter and black soap now and I even wear my hair natural (afro hair). I love my new life.

For a ton of great info on vegan living (including sweet and tasty recipes!), check out the Vegan Outreach Cruelty-Free Eating Guide. I also highly recommend Alicia Silverstone’s The Kind Life website, for recipes and more.

Of course, a thoughtful way of living is never confined to just one area of our lives. In addition to adopting a vegan lifestyle, Sacha Brown is also the founder of Brown Girl Promotion, “inspired by the lack of representation of women of African origin within business and entertainment within the UK.”

To Sacha, and to all you other pledgers, Happy New (Vegan) Year! There will be many more inspiring stories to share in 2012.

Learn more about vegan living at TheVeganPledge.com.

5 New Year’s Resolutions for a Financially Fit New Year

Fitness goals usually top the list of New Year’s resolutions, but they need not be limited to your body. Financial health is equally important to balanced living in 2012.

1) Keep track of your spending. Regular monthly bills aside, how much of your spending can you account for each month? I’m talking about what you spend on all those extras that get logged into your bank account every day, but rarely get added up over a month’s, or even a week’s time.

For a week, or even a month, keep a running log of where you spend every penny, from coffee to lunch. Log your spending as you go, in your smartphone or a little notepad, or save every receipt and log purchases later.

2) Make a budget. If you don’t already, it’s time to go over your budget with a fine tooth comb. This means looking at how much you’re bringing in every month, and how much is going out. With this knowledge, you can more clearly see where you can cut spending and have more left over for the next resolution on our list.

3) Save. While one general savings account can suffice, you may want to have multiple savings accounts for multiple purposes, such as an account for emergencies, an account for fun purchases, and/or an account for next year’s Christmas gifts.

Though it varies from person-to-person, a good rule of thumb is to set aside 10 percent of your income for savings. If this doesn’t seem to work for you, try five percent, even one percent! The point is that you are setting aside something and getting yourself into the essential, lifelong habit of saving money.

Read full article at CreditInfoCenter.com.