Our Ultimate Guide to New Year’s Resolutions for Your Best 2020

Forty percent of Americans make a New Year's Resolution, but only 8 percent of people actually keep them. While there are many reasons you might not stick to your resolutions, the cost should not be one of them!

With this in mind, we put together a list of our top most realistic and impactful New Year's Resolutions and how you can achieve your goals while sticking to your budget with Veterans Advantage and VetRewards Exclusive discounts.

Resolution 1: Feed Your Body Good Things

Getting physically fit isn't just about losing weight or building muscle, it's also about increasing self-confidence and feeling strong and comfortable in your own skin. Even if you are thin, you can still set fitness goals for yourself - perhaps you want to increase endurance, gain flexibility, or have healthier joints and ligaments!

No matter your goals, try to fit in at least 30 minutes of exercise 3 times a week and try to incorporate strength training so you're burning calories even when you're sitting still! Order protein powder, supplements and vitamins with our 15% OFF discount at GNC or 20% OFF at CVS.com.

When you're busy, it can be hard to find the time to give your body the things it needs to function at its best. While it can be tempting to grab burgers or pizza on the way home from work, you could subscribe to a healthier boxed meal service, like Graze.

This year, promise yourself that you will be better about doing for your body what it needs to stay healthy and fit with CVS.com.

And, another easy way to treat your body better is to drink more water. H2O helps your body perform many essential functions, including removing toxins, hydrating skin, and even facilitating proper brain activity. To drink more water, shoot for upping your intake to at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day. Hate water? Try flavored waters, available at 20% OFF + free shipping from CVS.com/pharmacy.

Resolution 2: Be Grateful by Thinking of Others

When you are caught up in day-to-day life, it's easy to forget how lucky you are. This year, make it a point to observe the things you are thankful for more often, and let those around you know that you appreciate their support and love.

An easy way to stay focused on the positives in your life is to keep an "appreciation journal", where once daily you write down all of the things you are thankful for, no matter how bad of a day you have had. This can reframe the way you think about your life and relationships.

You can also make a habit of sending more thank you cards to those who do nice things for you or help you in your life. The simple act of writing down how grateful you are for someone's help or how much you appreciate something they've said or done can be eye-opening.

You can also express your gratitude by giving back to those who are less fortunate. There are many Veterans and military families who need our help - you could serve a meal at a homeless shelter for Vets, send a care package to a deployed soldier, or just spend time with an elderly Veteran who may be lonely. This year, make it a goal to volunteer at least once a month at a local veterans charity.

You can also Give the Gift of VetRewards, which allows deployed military, wounded veterans, and their families to save money on daily shopping, medications, and travel to see loved ones. For each VetRewards Card you give, you know it will be going to great causes like wounded veterans and their caregivers, and Medal of Honor Recipients, the spouses and their widows.

Resolution 3: Sound Mind, Sound Body

Whether you are currently enlisted, a veteran, or a spouse or other family member, making space for your mental health is very important. While you may consider a  professional or deal with stress, there are plenty of things you can do yourself in your daily life to learn healthy ways to cope with depression, anxiety and improve your overall wellbeing.

To take a step in the right direction, try picking up a weekly meditation practice, practicing daily self-affirmations, or yoga to 'inspire' you to get started get the right gear for a new yoga class. You can also set a goal to read one self-building book a month that you find interesting - no matter the subject.

We'll make it easy for you to get out and be active so that you can be your physical best. Start with exclusive discounts on workout apparel from Gymshark, gear and footwear from Eastern Mountain Sports or shop Orvis or Coleman if you want to enjoy the great outdoors with a fishing, hunting, or camping expedition.

Resolution 4: Get Away More Often

Whether it's a romantic, week-long getaway with your spouse, a family vacation, or a quick weekend trip to see the kids, most of us would love to travel more often. So why don't we? Usually, it's because we don't have the time or the money to go where we want!

This year, make plans for getaways a priority. VetRewards subscribers get up to 10% OFF American Airlines, up to 5% OFF tickets from United, 10% OFF Alaska Airlines (limited time discount), 5% OFF Hawaiian, 5% OFF JetBlue Airlines with 2 free bags ($140 value round trip), and deals on Southwest Airlines.

Using your VetRewards, you can have fun in the sun with 15% OFF Couples Resorts in four Caribbean destinations and save up to 10% on your Universal Orlando Vacation package.

You can also book hotels and resorts with VetRewards Travel for up to 40% OFF, and get great savings on all major national car rental companies.

With Veterans Advantage, you're fully-covered for discounted travel - now you just have to find the time to get away!

Resolution 5: Take Control of Your Finances

Whether you want to save more money for retirement, start a college fund for your children, learn to invest, buy your first home, or simply be more responsible with your money and pay off debt, taking control of your finances is a powerful and worthwhile resolution for 2020.

While setting a budget and building up your savings account can seem a bit overwhelming, if you plan ahead and stick to the tips of your financial advisor, reaching your goals can be simple and straightforward. Need help planning out your financial future? If you're enrolled in VetRewards you have access to free custom personal financial planning--a $500 value! Just sign up and a Financial Advisor will get in touch within a few days to schedule your planning session.

Will you make a New Year's Resolution this year? We hope these examples of resolutions and ways to save achieving them will inspire you to accomplish your own personal goals that can improve your life. Veterans Advantage and your VetRewards Exclusive discounts can help make some of these worthy goals more attainable and sustainable. Happy New Year!