The New Year is here! Are you ready?

Resolve to make resolutions a reality in 2012 with this free eBook

New Beginnings offers a step-by-step guide to turning resolutions into action-oriented steps that make achieving financial success in 2012 a reality. New Beginnings covers everything from steps to get a grip on financial clutter to ways you an personalize goals in order to make them more achievable. Resolve to ring in the New Year right, and prepare with New Beginnings.

Click here for the New Beginnings eBook.

Courtesy of MoneyManagement International, a Virginia Saves Partner

Retirement Savings for Procrastinators

Getting a late start in saving for retirement? The percentage of your annual salary you need to set aside might be more manageable than you think - if you're willing to spend some extra years at the office. To find out more on this from SmartMoney click here.

Courtesy of SmartMoney

Retirement Confidence

The past few years saw a sharp decline in Americans' confidence about their ability to secure a financially comfortable retirement. What has happened to confidence now that some economic indicators are improving? Click here for the Fact Sheet from Retirement Confidence Survey.

Courtesy of Retirement Confidence Survey

Retirement Contributions and Saver's Credit

Did you know that you may qualify for the Saver's Credit of up to $1,000 ($2,000 if filing jointly) for making eligible contributions to an employer-sponsored retirement plan or an individual retirement arrangement (IRA)? Unlike a deduction, a credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of your federal income tax liability and can reduce the amount you owe or increase your federal income tax refund! See the Full Story on IRS Outreach Corner.

Courtsey of IRS Outreach Corner

Holiday Savings Planning

It’s easy to overspend during the holidays. An American Express survey found its customers plan to spend approximately $1,500 this year on gifts alone.Sale doesn't always mean savings. That's why it is important to create your savings plan for the holiday season. Holidays -- once a time for family, food and gifts -- are now prime seasons of financial peril. When using credit cards to purchase items, it's easy to forget how much has been actually spent. Here we've written some guidelines to help make the holidays manageable. Visit our page here on Holiday Savings Planning for more information.

Some Suggestions to Follow:
• Decide on how much you can afford to spend
• Budget in hand, write down your shopping lists for the year
• Look at the list and see where you can cut back
• Don’t forget to include the extras when cratingyour budget
• Plan your gift buying shopping trips
• Use store’s convenient lay-a-way plan, if unable to pay for full item
• Make gifts at home: baked goods, picture collages, or arts and crafts

Additional Resources:

• Record your Holiday Gift List- Use this chart to track your purchases

• Holiday Expense Planner- this is an easy to use chart that will help you see and calculate your holiday expenses.

• Savings Planner- This calendar tool can help you stay on top of all the activities and deadlines this holiday season.  December Planner: Map out your holiday activities and events using this calendar planner.