10 New Year's Resolutions

Here are ten simple and inexpensive things to add to your list of new year's resolutions...

1. Join a local CERT team training course.  Learn how to prepare for a disaster and get some local insight into how responders in your area are planning for a disaster.
2. Get your HAM radio license.  HAM radios are pretty inexpensive these days, it makes for a fun hobby, and they also come in handy during a disaster.
3. Get certified in first aid/CPR/AED use.  There are several places you can do this, usually through your local Red Cross office, local hospital, local fire department, or private companies which offer the classes.
4. Sign up for a 5k/10k/half marathon/marathon.  If this is new to you, there are lots of "couch to 5k" training programs available online.
5. Take up a new hobby.  The more skills you know, the better.
6. Build an emergency fund.  If you already have an emergency fund, increase it.
7. Plan a camping trip.  There are lots of free places to camp, you can start out with thrift store gear, and again, this is a great way to learn new skills.
8. Learn an old fashioned, traditional skill.  Whether you choose canning or bread baking or fishing, these are fun, inexpensive ways increase your preparedness, save money, and learn something new at the same time.
9. Volunteer.  Volunteering helps out the community, helps out people in need, and can also teach you some valuable survival skills.  Consider volunteering as an EMT, for your local Search and Rescue, at a soup kitchen, etc.
10. Take a class/go to a conference/do a boot camp/etc.  Up your job skills to make you a more valuable employee/business owner.  By gaining more knowledge and education in your field, you will be poised for better things, work wise.