New Year Resolutions 2011

 Tis the time of year when we look ourselves straight in the mirror and lie.  We promise the image staring back, all innocent and guileless, that the next twelve months will be different. Pounds will be shed, dentists will be visited every six months and exercise ,to boost the old cardiovascular, will be instituted immediately or as soon as the snow clears off the neighbor’s walk. Others will promise to quit smoking, cut down on the adult beverages or take a class on foreign languages instead of nightly vegetating in front of the boob-tube. It doesn’t make a difference what we pledge. We promise too much and by the beginning of March Madness the face in the mirror slyly winks back at our weakness.  We’ll do better next year.

As an expert on breaking resolutions or failing to follow-through I offer some words of wisdom for this years resolution makers:

1. Keep the list of promises small. Maybe one good resolution. Two if you have a strong constitution and a sympathetic partner.
2. Make your resolution attainable. Don’t promise something you know you can’t achieve.

That being said here’s some financial resolutions:

1. Maximize your 401k-403b without consideration of a match in 2011.
2. Less than $50,000 invested? Simplify your portfolio to one or two mutual funds. More than that and you’re confusing yourself.
3. Know what you own. Broom what you don’t.
4. Get with your advisor to make sure you’re all on the same page.
5. Educate yourself. Learn one thing about investing a month. Don’t make it difficult: It could be dollar-cost averaging, it could be dividends. Read my blog for ideas.

That’s it and wishing all a Happy, Prosperous and Healthy 2011 because you deserve it!

Questions call Paul @ 877 783 7080 or write him at pstanley@westminsterfinancial.com. Share this blog with someone who cares about their money.