2011 Resolution: Control Your Finances!

Do you ever feel like the picture to the right, frantically trying to grab on to your hard earned dollars? With 2011 eyeing us as it quickly approaches, now is the time to gain control of your finances. Want to live long and prosper financially? Gain full control today, remove any stress between paychecks, and become fully aware of positive strides by setting, reviewing, and tracking a personal budget. What does not get measured cannot improve, so today's topic is all about budgets, and financial review, perfect timing for a year end exercise to prep your 2011 success. To get started, check out a great piece called "Become the Captain of Your Financial Ship" with great tips, and step-by-step guides to begin, truly hitting the benefits of starting your financial management today!

• Have control over your monthly debt-to-income. Keep track! Don’t let your balances go unnoticed. Read more in this article to discover ways to avoid debt in pursuit of discovering financial freedom.
• Where is your money going? Write a check, send it off, but to what/who? Finding out is up to you! Follow through with the payments you are making. Talk to your bank and your credit card company to make sure they are keeping you in line with payments. In addition, make note of everyday expenses and get rid of making mindless purchases. Here are manageable ways to encounter daily spending.
• Decrease the Guesswork. With your balances accounted for, there will be no mystery of what you can and cannot afford. However, don’t make unnecessary expenses. Scroll through this list and discover what is worth splurging on. Yes, food and medical issues are part of necessary payments.
• Accountability. If I remember correctly, we sign our own checks. YOU are in control of the money being spent. Be smart with your spending and don’t blame others for not paying your bills.
• Track your progress and improvements. Attain goals and access the progress being made. This will motivate you to future success. Now with checking accounts available online, you are able to check your progress via the Internet. No excuse for being lazy and not making it to the bank when your checking account is accessible at all hours.
• Start building wealth. YOU are in control! Saving is key to building a strong financial well being. Working hard to save now will only benefit you in the future. Like they say, work hard, play later.