I have just made a list of New Year’s resolutions and plan to action them this year. One of the problems I have is sticking to my guns but this year I made a bet with a friend so if I don’t follow through it will cost me cold hard cash. On top of the list is the biggest challenge. I have decided that buying a first home is a step in the right direction. I am sick of renting and want to make sure that the money I spend is of benefit to me and not some anonymous landlord.