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With a new year just around the corner, it's time for Americans to consider setting some resolutions. This year, in addition to revisiting perennial favorites like losing weight, eating healthier and exercising more, some investing resolutions may be in order.
If you've been remiss in getting your financial house in order, the beginning of the year is a great time to formulate an investing plan -- or make an appointment with a financial planner to help you.
Making financial resolutions one of your priorities this year will put you in good company as well. A recent survey by Fidelity Investments has found that 42 percent of Americans are setting financial goals for 2011. That's up 7 percent over last year.
More than half of them, 51 percent, plan to save more next year. Most of those respondents will be saving for long-term goals such as retirement.
Saving for retirement is vital for everyone, but a solid investing plan is nearly as important. With a reasonable rate of return, workers can maximize the amount they're able to save.
Use this Bankrate calculator to see how much you'll need to save to reach your retirement goals.
In order to turn those savings into a sizable nest egg, a solid investment plan is as necessary. Using concepts such as asset allocation and diversification can supercharge your returns and put you on the path to meeting your saving and investing goals.
Fidelity's survey found that Americans are increasingly recognizing the importance of investing and financial literacy. Forty percent of the survey respondents are actively seeking to educate themselves on how to invest, a 7 percent increase over last year.
Use Bankrate's financial literacy series to launch your investment education and find inspiration for your own finacial goals.
My goal for 2011 is to avoid using a credit card to pay for anything. Now that I have a decent emergency fund, I'm optimistic about hitting that goal.
What are your investing or financial resolutions?
