If you’re like me, you have yet to even come up with any. Luckily, it’s never too late to make changes, especially financially. I’m not alone in that thought either. According to a new COUNTRY Financial survey, this year Americans’ financial priorities are reducing debt (28%) and boosting savings (21%).

Most resolutions focus on the negative it seems, as in “this year I will stop (insert bad habit here).” However, even in an economic downturn, it’s uplifting to see Americans staying optimistic and proposing two positive priorities for 2011.

As for me, maybe I’ll take on a few simple resolutions to get myself started. Here’s how I can improve my financial security this year:

• use the 2% break on my taxes from the Federal Insurance Contributions Act to increase my 401(k) payroll deduction,
• set up automatic bill pay to save on postage and avoid late fees, and
• examine my insurance coverage to find potential savings, such as a multi-policy discount.

By their very nature, resolutions aren’t easy. Take budgeting, for example. Although it’s an invaluable practice, too many people neglect to establish any sort of fiscal agenda. In fact, according to the same COUNTRY survey, nearly half (49%) of Americans don’t utilize a household budget.

If you’re among them, this year is a great time to start. Think budgeting is a hassle? Try Mint, a hands-off web-based budgeting tool. Or, if you need the regular reminder that imputing manually brings, use our COUNTRY budgeting worksheet.

For more information on COUNTRY surveys, visit http://www.countryfinancialsecurityindex.com/.

Working in the financial planning field has made me accustomed to the potential rigors of planning. This experience was a helpful reminder that – for the most part – people hate to plan.

Don’t believe me? Just head into your local bookstore and look at the travel section. There’s no shortage of detailed guidebooks and landmark maps. The Internet, too, is bursting with websites ready to book your flight or build the perfect itinerary.

Financial planning can’t be quickly solved with a book or mouse-click. It takes time. Luckily, there are yearly reminders to motivate your inner procrastinator. This week is National Financial Planning Week, and National Save for Retirement Week is October 17–23. Both promote the importance of fiscal planning and encourage everyone to act.

Frequently, a little reminder is all anyone needs. We’re so focused on what’s happening today we forget to plan for the future. Also, for many people, “financial planning” isn’t in their daily vocabulary.

Remember, though, if we’re willing to set aside hours to research a vacation, shouldn’t we spend at least that much time planning for retirement and other financial security goals?

Recently, I was privileged to make presentations for the Illinois Treasurer’s Smart Women Smart Money program.  It’s a great campaign to help empower women to take charge of their finances.  Financial security can mean different things to men and women.  Read my post from September for more info.

Those of us in the financial services business often use jargon and information that people just don’t understand.  I think that’s what keeps many people from taking charge of their own finances.  It’s why I focus my presentations on the very basics of investments.  And it’s a well-timed message, considering how people have questions about protecting themselves in this economic cycle.

When all was said and done I hope the people I talk to take away this message:  You may be tempted, but don’t let short term or current events derail your long term plans.  Your dreams are the same now as they were before the recession, right?

I'm lucky to meet all types of people at the conferences I attend.

I can often tell my audience’s interest by the questions people ask.  Boy, have they asked a lot of questions!  Two of the most often-asked:

• What’s the difference between this type of investment and that one?
• What’s the risk with each investment?

These are important questions for each person to ask, and there’s no “one size fits all” answer.  That’s why it’s important to talk to someone who can help you customize a plan based on your situation.

No matter how many times I make these presentations I still get excited.  That excitement really comes from the audience as I see their faces intent on learning so they can make good, educated decisions.  And, I have to admit, I like the compliments I often get!

So if you’re like a lot of people, you already know financial security is important.  But all that goes into achieving it can be overwhelming.  You end up with questions like:

• What does financial security really mean?
• Where do you start?
• What if you can’t accomplish everything at once?
• Should you get help?

If you have these questions, let me try to help you relax with some answers.

What does financial security really mean?

Determine what financial security means to you.  Although it means different things to different people, there are some general elements common to all of us.  Financial security includes the ability to protect what we have, cover our expenses and have enough money for future needs.

Where do you start?

Start by setting priorities.  If you’re spending more than you make, create and following a budget.  If you’re overwhelmed with debt, get your debt under control.  If you have your expenses under control, determine your most important future need, such as retirement or education funds for your children.  We offer a lot of free tools and calculators on our website to help you start, and you don’t have to be a COUNTRY client to use them.

What if you can’t accomplish everything at once?

Don’t worry!  Most of us can’t accomplish everything we want as soon as we want.  You need to pick a starting point and build your financial security plan over time.  The key is starting somewhere.

Get help

To relieve some of that overwhelming feeling, don’t be afraid to seek out help!  Find a financial representative who will help you design a tangible plan to reach your short and long term objectives.  Working with a professional doesn’t need to cost a lot of money, and the help could be priceless.

Hope that helps!

Unfortunately, those are harsh realities for women to face.  Those and other realities beg the question, should women view financial security differently than men?

My answer:  YES!!!!

Many women today face greater financial risk than men.  Just think:

• Many, but not all, earn less than men
• Women average fewer years in the workforce
• They are less likely to have an employer-sponsored pension plan to provide monthly checks in retirement
• Women typically start saving later in life than men
• Due to lower incomes, many save less than men
• Often women are more conservative requiring more savings or time to accumulate what money may be needed for retirement

One additional note – women can expect to live longer (7 years on average).  So those who weren’t actively involved in making financial decisions find they are lost when their husbands die and they are forced to take over the finances.

Solution:  Be proactive and plan now for your future financial security.