Here’s an article from Voice of America about what Americans want to do in 2016. Before you read, make a prediction about what you’re going to read. What do you think Americans will say they want to do in 2016? Will it be something about money, something about health, or something else?
From Voice of America:
Americans don’t just want to work out more in 2016, they also want to firm up their savings accounts.
A Nerdwallet survey conducted in December found that “increasing savings” was the top priority for 49 percent of Americans, followed by “working out” (44 percent).
“There’s definitely a connection between the two in the sense that both are about quality of life,” said Nerdwallet’s Sreekar Jasthi. “Both are about health: physical health and fiscal health.”
New Year’s Day is a federal holiday in the United States, which means most Americans have the day off from work to attend gatherings, eat special foods meant to ensure good fortune for the new year, and make a list of resolutions for 2016.
“Increasing savings” was the most popular answer on Nerdwallet’s New Year’s resolution poll. The average American only saves about 5 percent of their income, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The other top priorities include losing weight (44 percent), spending more time with friends and family (37 percent), traveling more (35 percent) and getting organized (30 percent).
Paying off credit cards was most important to 29 percent of those surveyed. On average, Americans have about $15,000 in credit card debt.
“We actually thought that the percentage of the population polled that would mention credit card debt as a priority, would be higher,” said Jasthi. “This is a significant concern…a lot of people eventually have to file for bankruptcy because they can’t afford to pay it back. I think more education and more clarity around how to effectually manage use of your credit cards, and how to repay debt on your credit card, is something that’s absolutely needed.”
While 45 percent of Americans say they usually make New Year’s resolutions, only about 8 percent of those who make resolutions actually fulfill them. Making resolutions as specific as possible might help. For example, instead of just saying ‘increase savings’, determine an exact amount you’d like to save in 2016 and then set monthly milestones to help reach that goal.
“Solid, specific goals that you can actually visualize instead of just large umbrella terms always help,” Jasthi said. “Be realistic when you’re setting these resolutions or setting these milestones. Be as specific as possible but obviously be realistic about how you’re going to attain those goals.”
What about you? What do you want to do in 2016?
I will study Hindi this year. I have a book, but I need a tutor.
Why do you want to learn Hindi, Eleanor?
I want to learn Hindi because my family speaks Hindi. I also want to learn it because I like Hindi songs.
I resolution is to improve my English.
What will you do to improve your English, Jia?
I will speak English,study English at school to improve my English.
I will speak English,study English at school to improve my English
First of all, I go to school on time, and pay attention to listening. Then, after classes, I do the homework carefully to improve writing. Third, I should watch TV in English in order to improve Listening. That way I will make progress in learning English.
My resolution is to get up early! It’s hard for me. but I will try my best to do it.
Why do you want to get up early, Susan?
I want to get up early because I can have more time to study English and I have a good memory in the morning. I think it’s good for me to study English.
My resolution is get a driver’s license.
Do you have a driver’s liceanse in your country, Carrie? Or are you from the United States?
My resolution is to learn how to cook better.
Which dishes do you want to learn how to cook, Vivian?
I want to learn all different dishes.
My resolution is to find time and money for my vacation.
Where do you want to go, Yvonne?
I want to go to Japan because I saw on travel channel recommended the hot spring is very popular in Japan.
How much money will you need?
I don’t know but it is as much as possible for my vacation.
I want to improve my English and computer skills.
How are you going to improve your English and computer skills, Yi Li?
I am going to practice English and computer every day.
I am going to practice them every day.
My resolutions is study English and learn computer .
Why do you want to learn how to use a computer, Shi Yan?
Because i will do something online , I want to learn how to use a computer.
My resolution is beauty license pass on next month.
What do you have to know how to do to get a beauty license, Mia?
I will go to beauty school to learn basis and operation. I read beauty book every night. I have a beauty license I will find a better job!
Get a job
What kind of job do you want to get, Julia?
My resolution is to get a better job
What do you mean by a “better job,” Lina?
I will be a good student. (◕ᴥ◕)
How do you define a “good student,” Wing?
my resolution in to get better job
What kind of job do you have now, Liu?
My resolution is to get health good and good luck something through all the year.
How do you plan to get good health, Nu?
I want to make the schedule my active everyday and every week, i eat healthy. Because I am busy,so my resolution make plan to get health better.
My revolution is to be healthy
What are you going to do to become healthy, Zujia?
I want to find a better jab.
What kind of job do you want, Julia?
I want make sample and make pattern.
I want to make sample and make pattern.
Because I want to make money then I neat to buy new car and I want to help my sister.
Because I want to make money then I need to buy new car and I want to help my sister.
My resolution is to get a good job.
What kind of job do you want to get, Emily?
I want to be a sales assistant
I want to be a sales assistant.
my resolution is to i will be nurse
my resolution is to i will be nurse.
Why do you want to be a nurse, Sabina?
because i want to be nurse for my family.
My resolution is to learning more English.
What are you going to do to learn more English, Olimpia?
My resotion is to become good computer student
Why are taking computer class, Esther?
Because My computer is so good. I learn more about the computer for my job.
Because my computer is so good. I learn more about the computer for my job.
My resolution is to get the driver’s license.
Good luck(*@_@*)!!!!
Thanks!
Why do you want to get a driver’s license, Fen Fen?
Because I want to visit different places in America with my family in car.
My resolution is I will learn to dance.
What kind of dancing do you want to do, Emily?
I think all dancing I want learning
My resolution is to make everyone very happy^_^!!!
me to
How are you going to make everybody happy, Letina?
I use my smile to made everyone happy:)!!!
my resolution is to 2016 :I get a driver license and I will be a better leadership.
What do you mean by “better leadership,” Judy?
I want to driver license and I want be come a broker manager.
My resolution is improve my English and become a U. S. citizen.
How are you going to improve your English, Xiao Jian?
I watch Tv, I read newspaper and magazines. I listen to radio,I practice with my friends..I louder read books improve my English.I
Good luck !
My resolution is to make I will go to bed early and get upearly.
What time do you want to go to bed and what time do you want to get up, Amy?
I want go to bed at 9:00pm, and I want to get up at 7:00am.
My resolution is to I will go to bed early and get upearly.
Reply
This a good idea^_^!!!
My resolution:I will be more fluent in English and be healthy.
How will you become healthy, Joy?
I’ll eat healthy foods and do more exercise.
My resolutions are i will study more in computer class and English class.
Me too(*@_@*).
holle
Why are you studying English, Anna?
I want to speak fluent in English. Because i want to be part of American life,culture,society.
MY 2016 New Year’s Resolutions
I will exercise more.
What kind of exercise do you plan to do, and how often will you do it?
I do exercise is in the guy room Treadmill 2 times a week.
I will teach my son to swim.
Is there an indoor pool near where you live?
Yes, there is. The pool is in the YMCA on Bowery and E Houston corner.
My resolution is get up early and to improve my English.
How will you improve your English?