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New Year's resolutions

5 financial resolutions for 2003

New Year's is a grand time for making fresh starts and personal resolutions. Here are five financial resolutions worth keeping. You'll lose debt and gain financial muscle.

..............................................................................
This year I resolve to . . .
 
1. Keep good records
Getting your financial papers organized will save you money and time -- plus keep your finances disaster-proof.
Important documents to organize
What financial records to keep and how long to keep them
Good recordkeeping prevents many tax headaches
 
2. Save for a goal
The earlier you start, the better. While saving 10 percent is a good goal, it may not be possible -- saving what you can is better than nothing at all.
Dollar Diva: Save early and often
Create a spending plan to get what you want
A budget worksheet
Build your emergency fund in 2003
Where do I stash my emergency cash?
 
3. Reduce monthly debt
From banking fees to credit card debts to your mortgage -- here's how to slash your overhead and eliminate debts.
Which debts to pay off first
8 ways to consolidate debt
The deadly side of debt
 
4. Cut expenses
You'll need to find some extra income if you're committed to saving money and paying down debts. Try these tips for living cheaper on your current income.
Savings tips for a simpler life
Cheapskates & penny-pinchers
Cheap is chic
 
5. Improve my credit
Practically every consumer has inaccurate or outdated information on a credit report. These errors can be costly, and it's up to the consumer to get them corrected. Find out what your reports say about you.
How to read and understand your credit report
Credit scores explained
Repairing your credit: Go it alone or hire a repair company?
5 steps to do-it-yourself credit repair
Dollar Diva: Rebuilding bad credit
 
-- Updated: Nov. 14, 2002
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See Also
Trim the fat from your finances!
Tax checkup: Saving on your tax bill

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