Another year has passed, and now we look forward to 2012 and the hope that things will improve. Could this be the year we finally lose those extra twenty pounds, or get that raise at work, or even clean out the garage? Whatever you have resolved for the new year, here’s hoping you make good headway in the first month. Personal finance, especially in this questionable economy, should definitely have a place on your list.

What do you need to resolve in 2012 as far as money goes? Obviously saving more and spending less should be priorities, and in some cases these issues may already be set for you. If you have a stable job and your bill-paying situation is under control, let this be the year you get started on investments for the future. Here are a few ideas to get you started toward good financial health in 2012 and beyond:

1) Start saving toward retirement. If your job has options for a 401(k) or similar program, find out about enrolling if you haven’t already. If you don’t get such benefits at work, look into a financial program and start putting money away for the future. We can debate over whether or not Social Security will exist in twenty or thirty years, but either way you want to have something saved up for your twilight years.

2) Start saving for the childrens’ college funds. It’s quite simple to open a 529 account for college savings. Higher education will not get cheaper as the years pass, and even if your child plans to attend school in-state you’re looking at a major expense. Even twenty dollars a month placed in an account will help when your child turns eighteen.

3) Evaluate your luxury spends. If you find yourself short on cash by months’ end, consider what you’ve bought in the last month. If there’s a way to cut down on certain costs, do it. For example, why spend three to four dollars a day on a latte from a coffee shop when you have a coffee maker, milk, and coffee beans at home? Little things like this, when changed to keep your wallet padded, make a huge difference.

4) Work smarter, not necessarily harder. Look for ways you can cut down on energy bills with a few simple fixes that also “green” your living space. Watch your grocery shopping to purchase what you know will be used in a timely manner, rather than left to go bad in your refrigerator. Little things can help to save you big.

Welcome to Good Cents Savings, a personal finance blog designed to help you save money, stick to a budget, and live well on less.Find money savings tips for all areas of your finances, as well as moral support for those times when it’s tough to say “no” to a purchase or expense and “yes” to saving!Thanks for stopping by!

If you want to enjoy a better level of financial security, good financial planning is essential. Knowing what to do with your money to get the best results and how to implement a solid planning strategy can be difficult, so that you know what you are spending money on and where you can find more money to save. Here are some tips to help you set up a better budget.

First, you have to make sure you include everything you have to pay for in a given year. You need to include things like Christmas spending, oil changes, car repairs, license fees, registration fees. and all other expenses that are not weekly or monthly.

Second, your next piece of financial planning advice is very important and it will make a huge difference in your life. You need to be saving some amount of money each and every time you get paid. This could be in the form of a 401K or just regular savings. It does not matter, but this financial planning advice will help you out of a jam if necessary and it will be there when you are ready to plan for retirement.

Last, when you set up a budget you need to know what you are spending money on and how much. This means you need a system that allows you to track all your spending. Get in the habit of always getting a receipt and filing them away for the month. Then, you can go back through your month and categorize all your expenses to see where your money went and how much you spent in each area. This will allow you to make adjustments in your spending when necessary.

At APS Financial Planning, they believe in the difference advice can make to their clients – whatever their goals or stage of life. Their Financial Planning Adviser is Timothy Foster (pictured above). Timothy is a Certified Financial Planner© and holds an Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. Being a member of the Financial Planning Association ensures he is committed to a code of ethics and rules of professional conduct, over and above what is required by law.