Sync up your New Year's Resolution to stay on track (and a giveaway)

2015 is officially here.  Now is definitely the time when people set goals to improve their health, get organized or save more money in the New Year. Today’s technology and smartphones, such as the iPhone 6, offer a variety of apps and products to help keep users on track and increase the likelihood of sticking with any resolution throughout the year.

Families are already relying on technology in their daily lives. U.S. Cellular is happy to help people leverage the available technology to enhance and simplify their lives so they can enjoy better moments with family and friends all year long.

In fact, recent survey findings by Prosper Mobile Insights indicate more than one in four U.S. smartphone or tablet owners plan to use their smart mobile device to help them keep on track with their resolutions.

Some examples of apps that can help you start 2015 right are:

The Runtastic Six Pack app is great for those looking to lose weight or get in shape. This free app allows users to work out from home by creating custom work outs with a virtual personal trainer which will show users the proper way to do new exercises.

The Runtastic Six Pack and its 50 workout videos can also be paired with the UP by Jawbone - a fitness wristband. It can track what you eat, any activities throughout the day and your sleeping habits, then suggest small changes that will help you reach your goals.

Getting organized is another popular resolution, and we all know how hard it can be. The Any.Do app is an award winner that’s perfect for enhancing any to-do list. The app allows you to create lists of tasks that need to be completed and organize them by category and importance. You can set alarms and also easily sync your tasks from your mobile to your desktop to help stay on top of any to-do list, no matter where you are.  This just might be the answer for me.  I have notes and lists in my purse, car, and desk.  I can't wait to see how it works for me.

Many people resolve to see more of their family members throughout the year. The GroupMe app allows everyone in the family to stay in touch and make plans, no matter where in the country they are located. This app allows users to create several groups in which each member can share events, photos, videos and texts.  What a great idea for those planning a family reunion this summer (when it's warmer).  It would also be great for graduations, weddings or pictures of that cute new baby!

Saving money is a recurring resolution for many. According to a 2014 U.S. Cellular survey, 43 percent of smartphone users made the resolution to save money in 2014. In 2015, smartphone owners can accomplish this task with the Check app. The free app allows users to link bills, bank accounts and credit cards. The app then notifies users of when a payment is coming up and even lets users set up automatic payments.

New Year’s is a great time to reflect, set goals and decide what you really want to accomplish in 2015, and perhaps a great first resolution should be to explore how using your smartphone paired with these great apps can help you reach those goals in the coming year.  I am amazed at the number of apps available for things I can really use.

Those looking for help sticking with some of the most common New Year’s resolutions can use U.S. Cellular’s [4G LTE network, with speeds of up to 10 times faster than 3G] [high-speed network] to download some of the most helpful apps onto their smartphones and tablets.

So did your kids get a smartphone this Christmas?  Be sure they know your expectations and responsibility that comes with the privilege of owning a phone with a customizable Parent-Child Agreement.

And now for the giveaway:

U.S. Cellular is providing one of my readers with 3 tickets to the U.W. Badgers Men's Basketball Team vs. Indiana game at the Kohl Center in Madison, WI on Tuesday, Feb 3, 2015 at 6 pm.  Easy entry:  In the comment section, let me know what one of your New Year's resolutions are and if you have found an app for that!

One entry per person, deadline is: Wed, Jan. 21st 12 noon CDT.  Winner will be chosen via random number generator and emailed to respond within 24 hours so be sure to list email in comment section as well.  Winner will be sent tickets directly from U.S. Cellular's marketing agency.

Disclosure:  I have been provided the above information by U.S. Cellular and compensated for my post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

U.S. Cellular #30 Days of Good

During your busy holiday season did you get a chance to check out the Holiday Program U.S. Cellular promoted, called the “30 Days of Good Initiative,” which involved giving away $100,000 across four cities to people who are deserving – whether they are performing random acts of kindness or dedicating their lives to giving back through charity.  It could be something as simple as holding the door open for the person behind you to something bigger, like operating a shelter. A small team traveled to Knoxville, Tulsa, Des Moines and Milwaukee and found these uplifting stories and rewarded people in an effort to spread joy and happiness.

U.S. Cellular is committed to its communities and building meaningful relationships and are always excited about the opportunity to give back to our communities where our customers and associates live, work and play.

The team came across a lot of good stories and they hope some of these may inspire you to do good in 2015.

These are two of my favorite, my dad was a U.S. Marine and I miss him everyday.

Day 22: Paws and Effect Service dogs for vets with PTSD

Day 26: No one left behind - Milwaukee Homeless Veterans initiative

What have these stories inspired you to do?

Disclosure:  I have been compensated by U.S. Cellular for my post.  All opinions expressed are my own.