Upgrade your image

Think I'm joking?

Stroll through a mall or department store some time and look at the displays. Do they entice you? Call to you? Lure you in? They should. There's a long history of salesmanship wrapped up in all those displays, tempting you to spend your money. Ever since that first farmer in some ancient market discovered that shining his apples made them sell faster, retailers have long used the power of image to sell more and increase their bottom line.

So should you.

Fortunately, it doesn't have to cost a lot. Here are ten easy and budget-friendly image resolutions you should make this year that will help make reaching some of your other goals that much easier:

1. Organize Your Closet

Let's get the most labor-intensive one out of the way first. If you take an afternoon to clean your closet, you'll benefit for months to come. Go through and get rid of the stuff that you don't wear or that doesn't fit, organize what's left, and make a list of things that you need. (Wardrobe Magic can show you how) When you can see what you have in an instant, it makes getting dressed a snap.

2. Get Properly Fitting Undergarments

Want to visually drop ten pounds and ten years in an instant? Wear properly fitting undergarments. Yes, they're THAT important. Bras and panties should fit snuggly without binding, riding up, or creating unsightly bulges. If your bustline doesn't hit midway between your shoulders and elbows, you need a new bra. If the elastic is shot on your underwear, replace it.