On the 8th day of Christmas

Submitted by Lisa Steadman on December 21, 2007 - 5:52 pm

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One of the benefits of being single during the holidays is that your wallet stays a little fatter than it might with an S.O. (significant other). With no one to buy the latest techie gadget or beer-of-the-month club membership for, no in-laws to trek across the country to visit, and no expensive romantic getaway to fork over your hard-earned cash for, you can enjoy a more fiscally fit holiday season. And that’s not all.

On the 8th day of Christmas, it’s time to give yourself the gift that keeps on giving — financial security in 2008. No, it’s not as flashy as some Divine Diamonds bling or as decadent as a Do Something Different single gal vacay. But it is the smartest gift you can give yourself for the new year. Having said that, I wanted to share with you the well wishes I recently received from my fave banking institution ING Direct:

When you are thinking about your plans for 2008 think about this:

• Save. Save much more than you spend. Spend $5 per day less than you did this year. That’s more than $1800 you’ll have in your pocket in 2009.
• Simplify. Find ways to make everything you do a little easier.
• Check. Check your mortgage to see if it’s within your means. Never let someone talk you into a mortgage that you can’t afford.

I thought this was great advice! So as you reflect on your goals and dreams for the coming year, factor in financial fitness. Whether that means investing more in your 401(k), broadening your investment portfolio, buying your first home, or just spending less at Starbucks so your savings account grows faster, go for it! You’ll thank yourself in the years to come!

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