Free Resources to Help You Reach Your Goals this Year
You have chosen goals to work towards for the new year, but you aren’t sure where to start. Do you go out and buy a bunch of books that look interesting for your reading goal? Do you buy a gym membership or a fancy new treadmill for a fitness goal? Do you set aside hundreds of dollars a month to get a babysitter and take your significant other out for a date? You could do all of these things but spending excessive amounts of money may not be the best answer (especially if reducing spending is also on your goal list).
Thankfully, accomplishing your goals doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are a number of free resources out there to help you manage, track, and work toward your goals. This post will dive into just a few of those free options broken into five popular goal categories:
2. Reading
4. Connecting with Your Significant Other
Are you having a hard time coming up with goals? Check out this post for tips on making SMART goals for the New Year!
Exercise
Getting fit and losing weight are almost always the top resolutions on people’s lists each year (I’m not making that up, I checked the stats for the past several years). Once you turn that resolution into a SMART Goal, these free resources can help you work toward and track those healthy goals.
Strava (and Similar Apps)
While the Strava app has a premium option, you can get access to the majority of the features with the free version. This includes tracking your workouts (you can link from your phone straight to your app to make this super easy), taking on challenges, connecting with friends and others, etc. My husband and I both use this app, and we frequently give each other “kudos” as a way to connect and support each other in our goals. Other options, such as RunKeeper and Map my Run are great options for the runners out there, while Map My Ride works well for cyclists.
YouTube Exercise Videos
There are a plethora of free workout videos on YouTube, and they don’t require you to upgrade to a premium YouTube account (though they may include an ad or two). You can find free videos of all levels and exercise types including beginner yoga up to hardcore Tabata, many of which require no equipment. A few of my favorite channels include Yoga with Adriene, Popsugar Fitness, Fitness Blender, Nourishmovelove, and growingannanas.
Exercise Apps
There are a variety of free apps out there that allow you to watch exercise videos or choose exercises straight from your phone. A few that I like and have used in the past include Nike Training Club, FitOn, Sworkit, and Daily Yoga. While these and most others have in-app purchase options and premium versions, they do include several workout options for free (especially the Nike Training Club and FitOn apps). This is also a great option when you are traveling or don’t have access to a Wi-Fi connection.
Get Outside
This may sound silly, but it’s free to get outside, and the kids will likely be all in for this option. You can go for a family walk, hike, or bike ride close by. You could also exercise in the yard while they play, walk laps around the playground, play soccer with them at the park, etc. The opportunities are endless, and you get the side benefit of being out in nature.
The Strava app Showing Stats Following a Hike
Reading
Like many people, I try to make some sort of reading goal each year. It usually involves a certain number of books, but I also like to branch out and try genres that I wouldn’t normally choose. If you have a reading goal this year, these free resources are sure to help you (and your kiddos) reach your goal this year.
Library
As a homeschooling family, we frequent the library multiple times per week. I’m pretty sure my kids would prefer that we go every day if that was an option. Besides the obvious fact that there happen to be a ton of books at a library, many also offer some pretty awesome clubs and classes. We utilize the online database to put books on hold (for both the kids and adults), attend story times, and spend hours browsing. And the best part? It’s all free! So rather than purchasing all those books on your “want to read” list, check out the library and put some on hold. Many libraries also run reading challenges for both kids and adults to help incentivize good reading habits.
Libby and Other E-book/ Audiobook Apps
I realize that Libby is an extension of the library, but it’s a pretty awesome app, especially if you love audiobooks as much as I do. You simply link it to your library card (or cards, I have it linked to 3 different library systems… military life) and start searching for audio and e-books. You can also browse their recommended selections and keep track of what you have read and want to read.
Goodreads App
I love this app. It allows me to keep track of the books I have read and want to read without having to record them by hand. It also lets me find book ratings and reviews from others and also see what my friends and family members have read and what they recommend. Lastly, it lets you set a reading goal for the year and informs you how far ahead or behind you are with that goal.
Online Book Clubs
If you prefer external motivation, you can find an online or library book club to join. You can find these with a quick FaceBook or Google search to see what is available in your area. You can also ask around on social media or in your place of work to see what others recommend. If you can’t find one that fits your needs, you could always start one and set up monthly meet-ups for chosen books.
My Older Son Reading Books on His Favorite Topic at the Library
Time in Nature
You’re not just imagining things, getting outside and breathing in the fresh air CAN make you feel calmer. In fact, spending time outdoors has a number of incredible benefits. These include better sleep, increased mental health (including easing depression symptoms), a boost in immunity, etc. It’s also a great way to run the crazy out of your kiddos when they get restless indoors. Whether you are working on a specific number of outdoor hours or aim to check out all your local trails, here are a few free resources to help you get outdoors more this year.
Local Hiking/Nature Groups and Programs
This is a wonderful resource, especially if you have young kids. Organizations like Hike it Baby host hikes for families with young kiddos (think birth – school age), which allows you to socialize with other adults and your kiddos to socialize with other kids while you explore trails in your area. There are also various local hiking groups depending on your city. A quick Facebook search can help you find one that works for your family.
As homeschoolers, we also participate in a homeschool nature group along with 4H nature explores. This is an excellent way for my kiddos to socialize, learn new things about the local flora and fauna, and explore nature. I have also seen weekend programs through local regional and city parks and even some libraries that involve outdoor exploration. Many of these programs are free or involve a nominal fee to participate.
AllTrails or Local Trail Apps
Discovering new trails and routes is easy with apps like AllTrails. You can find hiking, biking, and even kayaking routes nearby or while you’re traveling. The majority of the app features are free to use including finding the distance and difficulty of nearby trail routes. You can even track where you are on the route by clicking on the map while on your hike/bike/paddle.
Some areas also have local apps that describe the trails and give details on nearby attractions. You may even be able to find some lesser-known spots with fewer crowds. Many areas have challenges that incentivize getting out and exploring nature near you. Check local city websites to discover what is available in your area.
Geocaching
Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt? We discovered geocaching this year, and my kids love it! You can download the app for free (it’s literally called “Geocaching”) and see which geocaches are near you. You click on a cache to open up the details, and it uses the GPS from your phone to help you locate the cache.
Some of the geocaches listed are WAY harder to find than others, so don’t get discouraged if you can’t find one. You can click on the “Activity” tab to see comments from other treasure hunters. Once you find a cache, you can sign the log and click “found” on the app. Some of the larger caches also have little trinkets you can trade for. We like to keep little pirate tokens with us that we trade out if we find a cache with “loot”. Check out their website to learn more about how to get started geocaching.
Natural Materials
This may sound silly, but it’s amazing what kids can do with natural materials. If you are working towards getting more time outside, it can be as simple as setting your kiddos free in your yard and seeing what they can do with the sticks, rocks, mud, water, etc. they find. My kiddos are constantly making potions, turning cool sticks into wands or swords, building forts for fairies, etc. Just remember that boredom usually leads to creativity, so take those “I’m bored, there’s nothing to do out here” comments in stride.
My Kiddos Enjoying Time in Nature with Friends During a Group Hike
Connecting with Your Significant Other
Quality time alone with your significant other is important to solidify your connection and bring your family closer together. However, between hiring a babysitter and paying for the dinner/movie/activity, date nights can get expensive. Here are some free options for gaining that connection without emptying your wallet.
Use What You Have for a Date Night in
This is my favorite activity to do with my husband. We take turns planning a date night in, and they generally involve items we already have on hand. For example, sometimes we choose to have a board game night with a charcuterie board of whatever meat, cheese, crackers, veggies, etc. we have on hand. Another option is a movie night with popcorn or a cooking night where you try out a new recipe. These can happen after the kiddos head to bed (our boys have an early bedtime… their choice since they wake up at the crack of dawn) or when they are spending time with family or friends out of the house.
Spotify and Other Music Apps
This may sound old school, but making a playlist of songs for your significant other is a great way to show you care. It involves taking the time to curate a list of songs that remind you of them and listening to the ones they pick for you. You can then listen to them while you spend time together after the kids head to bed or whenever you get some time alone together.
Relationship Apps
There are tons of relationship apps out there ranging from intimacy challenges and couples’ truth or dare to card decks with questions designed to bring couples closer together. You can try the free app, Intimately Us, if you want to add some spice to your relationship with couples’ challenges, intimate games, and flirty invites to send each other.
The thousands of relationship questions and ideas included in the free Gottman Card Decks app are based on research from the Gottman Institute to strengthen and improve marriages. The Love Nudge app is based on the book “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman and provides prompts and suggestions for filling up each other’s love tanks. Choose one that works best for you and have fun with it!
Game Night with the game “Dominion” and a Small Charcuterie Board for Snacks
Budgeting
If saving money or spending less are on your goal list this year, you may need some help figuring out how to allocate your income (I know we do!). Creating and analyzing your budget allows you to make better use of your money by cutting costs where possible, preparing for costly emergencies, investing, etc. Check out these free resources that help you manage your budget and stay on top of spending.
Take a free online Budgeting Class
This is a great place to start if you want to learn the ins and outs of budgeting. One of the most popular courses is the free “Creating a Budget 101” course through credit.org. You’ll start with a quiz to test your background knowledge before reading through the various course topics including “tracking your spending” and “setting up financial goals”. You’ll then take a post-quiz to compare your knowledge and receive a certificate of completion.
Budgeting Websites and Apps
There are tons of apps out there to help you manage your budget. One of the most popular also happens to be free and easy to learn. Mint allows you to link multiple banks and financial accounts to the service to help track and categorize spending. It will recommend a budget, which you can adjust as needed. It can also track investments, give access to credit scores, etc.
If you’re looking for a free app that is specifically designed for couples who manage their money together, Honeydue is a good option. You can link multiple accounts to the app and even chat with your partner about specific transactions. It also categorizes expenses to see where you spend the most money, and it can send bill reminders so you won’t miss a payment.
Budgeting Spreadsheet Templates
Making a spreadsheet for your finances can sound intimidating, but fear not! You can find templates that are already formatted with the formulas, dates, etc. you need to balance and keep track of your budget. Google Sheets is a great free resource with multiple different template options available. If you are a Microsoft Office user, Microsoft Excel also has various budgeting templates available.
Using an Excel Spreadsheet to Manage our Budget
Achieving Your Goals Doesn’t Have to be Expensive
There are an incredible amount of free resources out there to help you make, track, manage, and work towards your goals this year. This list encompasses just a few options for 5 of the main goal categories, exercise, reading, outdoor time, connecting with your significant other, and budgeting. Choose one (or more) that works well for you and knock out those goals this year!
Do you have other free resources that you love? Let me know in the comments below!