B U l S p 3 n i e p y a D D - = 2 . .. mm It’s The New Year—Time To Focus On Your Bottom Line Six Must-Do Financial Resolutions (NAPSA)—very year, people make the sameresolutions. Go to the gym more. Cut out chocolate. Lose 10 pounds. Stop smoking. This year, instead of losing 10 pounds, Pam Little, editor of WomensWallStreet.com, encourages everyone to make six financial resolutions—and stick to them. 1. Break the budget code: Let’s face it. For some, giving up $4 lattes is just not going to happen. So sit down and identify the nonnegotiables, such as rent or the mortgage and your a.m. coffee, then determine whereit’s reason- able to cut back from there. Think DVD late fees or that fast-food lunch. 2. Save more: Set a savings goal and start putting away money for a rainy day (aim for 5 to 10 percent of your paycheck) even if what you do on that rainy day is take a Mediterranean cruise. 3. Retire right: Botox might help you look good at 65, but max- ing out your 401(k) contributions beginning this year can help you live right after 65. 4. Develop an interest in interest: Get serious about eliminating credit card debt and the crippling interest that comes along with it. Out with department store credit cards. Transfer high-interest balances to one or two low- or zero-interest cards and make a plan for paying them off for good. 5. Get an insurance checkup: Take the time to shop around and see how you can cut monthly insurance payments by combining A few simple steps now can help you have firmer finances for years to come. policies, increasing deductibles or switching policies altogether. 6. Make life less taxing. Resolve to pad Uncle Sam’s wal- let a little less by focusing on ways to cut your incometax bill. That may mean choosing tax-free investment vehicles, restructuring your home-based business or simply stockpiling money in your TRA. Other great money-saving tips on topics covering everything from negotiating your next big purchase,to tips on how to be a savvy investor are available at Wom ensWallStreet.com. While you’re there, check out the site’s new look. In addition to enhanced functionality and a great new design, the site has added new features, tools and columns, including Frankly Financial”, TaxMama”, Career Boost & xtreme Resume Makeover™ and Annie Jacobsen Speaks Out”. In addition, the site is partnering with Investor’s Business Daily to provide additional expert content and tools for the savvy investor.
