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Financial Planning

10 Money Moves to Make Before 2012

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Plan Your New Year’s Resolution Now

By Dan Kadlec Dec. 07, 2011
Getty Images

Just about everyone resolves to do something different in the New Year, and often it has to do with money. The insanely vague “save more” or “get out of debt” may ring a bell. You may also resolve to, say, set up a six-month emergency fund or avoid late fees. Yet such money-themed resolutions tend to get forgotten even faster than a new Buns of Steel workout video. Why? Changing money habits is hard work. So don’t get distracted by multiple and inadequately defined goals. Choose one and be specific. Want to save more? Pay yourself first with an automatic debit account that gets up to 10% of each paycheck. Too much debt? Target one credit card at a time, starting with the one with the highest interest rate. Resolved to avoid late fees? Set up automatic minimum monthly payments through your bill-pay system. Pick one and stick to it.

Next Use It or Lose It

Full List

  • 10 Year-End Money Moves

    • Plan Your New Year’s Resolution Now
    • Use It or Lose It
    • Set Up Tax-Advantaged Accounts
    • Invest in the Future
    • Chip Away at Your Estate
    • Take Your Remaining Vacation Days
    • Give Wisely
    • Shift Income
    • Harvest Tax Losses
    • Think Green
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