Do you ever tire of the continuous flow of negative financial news? I know that I do. Of course, what I’m referring to is the constant stream of news that is focused on the slumping housing market, foreclosures, bank bailouts and the like. Terms like Quantitative Easing have taken on a life of their own, with people making cartoons in order to explain what is actually happening in the economy. Hopefully, you can still laugh!
History tells us that the time required to go through an economic recovery is usually in direct proportion to the expansion that preceded the boom. So, count on this “news” being with us for some time. Remember that regardless of what anyone says or does, a recovery is a process not an event.
We have to be careful not to drown in this wave of negativity that surrounds the airwaves. Understand that what you read and listen to has a direct impact on your state of mind. Here is all the news you really need to know. We will get through this, eventually AND….
We can’t control the economy. No one can. So, stop waiting for this turn around and Begin your own. Our actions are the most important factor in determining our personal financial independence and success. Focus on what you can control versus looking for that magic bullet. For when you take repetitive intentional action, you can not help but make progress. No one can stop you from this, except yourself.
Need some help and ideas on things to focus on to finish 2010 with a BANG? Here are 5 personal finance objectives for you to complete before the end of 2010.
1) Receive Higher Interest Rates on Your Cash and Checking Accounts
Do this by visiting Checking Finder Simply click on the compare and Open button. Then, enter your zip code.
2) Automate Your Personal Finances
Simplicity makes your life easier, more enjoyable and lowers your stress level. If personal finances are one of the most stressful aspects of our lives, lets just say it just makes sense to design a process whereby we handle those mundane yet essential tasks like paying the bills with as much ease as possible. Here is a post I wrote a while back on —> how to automate your personal finances.
3) Maximize Your Workplace Retirement Accounts (defined contribution: 401k, 401a, 403b accounts)
Remember that once 2010 is gone , the window closes for the year. For a quick guide to the various contribution limits, check out the following page from the IRS on 401(k) contribution limits.
4) Locate 3 Important Personal Finance Resources, Blogs and/or Sites and Read them Regularly, Learn. Learn. Learn.
The following list of Top Personal Finance Blogs from Money Crashers is a great place to start. You will find literally hundreds of personal finance blogs with thousands of personal finance articles.
5) Create a Living Will or Place Beneficiaries on All Personal Accounts
Death is never a popular topic here or anywhere, but here’s the point: In the event that something unfortunate happens to you, wouldn’t you rather make it easier for your loved ones?
Putting things off, won’t delay bad things from happening. And putting things off, won’t delay death (see #5). But doing the things that are within our control and making them into habits will most definitely improve the quality of life. That, I can guarantee you. Don’t just let 2010 fade away. The Choice Is Yours. Finish Strong.
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Awesome list of 5 personal finance objectives. All are a big challenge but something we should all be shooting for!
Thanks for the nice words, Andrew. Hope all is well with you!