Plan For Your Financial Future in 2009…

With the holidays officially behind us, we’re all a little slow to get back into the swing of things. It’s time to get back to life as we left it, right? Mmmm. Not quite.

I’d say this year is different. For starters, Barak Obama will be inaugurated in just a few weeks to take over, and hopefully reform, the way our country does business. And, speaking of business, oh yeah… there’s that whole recession thing. As you reconnect with the jarring headlines that highlight the doom and gloom in the US stock market, I hope you see a light at the end of the tunnel. Not because Obama’s going to save the day, but because we’re all challenged to save ourselves in this economy. And we can do it, folks. Yes we can!

If you ask me, there isn’t a better time than today. It’s the start of a fresh new year—and a perfect time to review your overall financial strategy, and plant some promising seeds for your future financial health.

Let’s start with a few main points that financial experts are driving home these days:

1. Wake up America, don’t spend what you don’t have.
2. Pay down your debt starting now.
3. Don’t yank your money out of the stock market.
4. Have faith, this is a typical dip in a natural cycle that characterizes economics. It’ll get better.
5. And just for emphasis: Wake up America!

I’m not here to preach. I actually find some comfort in the fact that there are things that I can do to secure my future, even in the midst of the economic highs and lows.

So, today’s post is a Beat the Recession list of suggested goals for 2009. Consider it an action plan, if you will, that would bring a smile to even the most anxiety-ridden financial expert. But you really have to do them. Eat a donut if you want to, but seriously don’t drop the ball on these.

Your Financial Goals for 2009:
1. Pay down your debt
2. Open a Roth IRA
3. Meet your 401K
4. Save money every month

That’s it. It’s a short list, but it’s powerful. And, it will make a huge impact on your future nest egg. In a series of posts, we’ll walk you through each goal, offering tips and resources to make sure you understand why each goal is important and the steps you need to take to get it done. So enjoy, and get ready for a solid, productive 2009!