Ellicott Accountant On: “My Financial Resolutions”
"It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped."
- Anthony Robbins
This first full week of the year is often cited as one of the most difficult and depressing weeks of the year. Far from shiny newness, experts say that with all of the let-down after the holidays, coming back to work, or leaving behind family, can bring a heightened sense of loss. That, combined with the fact that we’re staring at 2-4 months still left of winter (depending what part of the country you call home, of course–we have clients and friends reading this from across the country)…
Well, it can be a tough week.
So, I thought we would lighten the load for you in two ways:
Firstly, I was sent this extremely funny short video the other day. Now that the holiday season is over, what better than to laugh at it? We just got bombarded with a ton of "Top __ of 2011" lists, but I’m not sure this video was on any of them. If you want a quick pick-you-up, here’s a funny prank pulled on helpless Target employees on Black Friday last: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature&v=CYbVpAwGGGs
Check it out, then you will want to come right back to me when you’re done.
Alright, funny time over. The second way I’d like to lighten your 2012 load is by giving you some simple, actionable guidance on FINANCIAL resolutions which are easy (and profitable) for you to keep.
You see, I hope you don’t mind that I see it as my role in your life to not only provide authoritative and actionable tax advice for your specific situation, but also to play a role as a "coach" for your finances, and even your mindset.
This is why our clients and their friends seek us out for *more* than simple tax preparation, but a whole host of other services as well–from planning, to business services, to simple encouragement. I get to be someone in your life who says: "You can do this. You’re not alone."
It’s my great hope that our relationship will continue to grow into 2012, and beyond. And not just for "business purposes". We love our clients — you’re like family to us (the *good* kind of family, that is)!
So, with my coach hat firmly in place, here are some thoughts for effectively creating and pursuing your personal financial goals, as we move into 2012…
John Curtin’s
"Real World" Personal Strategy
Curtin’s Financial Resolutions for 2012
Here’s the thing about most financial resolutions: They don’t usually last even until the end of January. That’s because making a permanent change in our behavior requires both time and a steely resolve. But I’ve found that we can develop financial character one action at a time.
So in that vein, here are some financial practices to take you from pauper to prince or princess if you add one each year. If you’ve already got one down, move to the next on the list.
#1 MOST CRITICAL: Resolve to become (and stay) debt free. Now, I’m not Dave Ramsey, but there’s a reason why he’s become so popular: his approach works. I’d say that you can have a fixed-rate fixed-year traditional mortgage on your house — but nothing else, please. No equity line of credit on your house. No car payments. Certainly no credit card debt. Because you simply have to learn to live within your income — which, unfortunately, sometimes means going without. The millionaires among us really are frugal. So learn to enjoy that process, and it’s a fantastic start.
#2 Automate your savings (AKA Pay Yourself First). You can start by getting the entire match if your company offers a 401(k) plan. Usually this translates to saving 5% of your salary while the company contributes a 4% match, which is the fastest way to get an 80% return on your money. Most Americans forgo this match, believing they need to spend 100% of their salary. But you can learn to think like a millionaire and live well on 95% of what you make. If you don’t have a 401(k) plan, act like you do, and sock away 5% automatically.
#3 Fully fund your 2012 Roth IRA. This is $5,000 in 2012 and $6,000 if you are older than age 50. If you can’t manage the entire amount in January, put in $416 monthly. Automating deposits in an employer-defined contribution plan is easy. Fortunately, automating saving in a Roth IRA or a taxable savings plan is equally painless. Most brokers offer an automatic money link between your checking account and an investment account. Set your savings on autopilot, baby!
Remember — these steps build off one another, so if you already have done the first 3, here’s your next step:
#4 Save another 5% in a taxable investment account. Automating savings is great, automating investment is even greater. Key word here: automate. At this point, you’re hitting a mark of saving 15-20% of your income. That’s a fast-track to long-term prosperity.
But I’m not quite done, grasshopper. However, I’m going to leave you with these for now, and come back to this again in the weeks ahead.
Happy New Year!
