Lose weight. Stop biting your fingernails. Read more books. Learn to knit.

If you’re like most people, you’re planning to ring in 2009 by making a slew of lifestyle changes. The great thing about a new year is that it gives you a fresh start. Maybe you didn’t use that home gym as much as you wanted to in 2008, or maybe you didn’t stick to that low-carb diet. A new year is a great opportunity to get back on track.

This year, as you gear up to say hello to 2009, don’t forget about your finances. Spend a little time getting up-close-and-personal with your checkbook and make a plan to curb your spending and fatten up your savings account.

Don’t know where to start? Read on for seven tips for a financially healthy 2009:

1. Avoid the mall. Seriously. As 2008 draws to a close, your favorite retailers will be running end-of-year clearance sales on everything from major appliances to winter coats. Unless you absolutely must have a new refrigerator, pass on the sales and put your extra money into your savings account instead.

2. Cut the cards. Got credit card debt? There’s no time like the start of a new year to change your spending habits and start putting a dent in your debt. Make a resolution to start paying off your credit cards. And, more importantly, make a resolution to stop using your cards, period. If you don’t have the cash to cover it, don’t buy it, or take the money out of your emergency fund instead. Don’t have an emergency fund? Read on for tip #3.

3. Start an emergency fund. A good way to make sure that you don’t have to rack up loads of credit card debt is to start socking money away for those unplanned emergencies. A good rule of thumb for most people is to have about three months’ salary in a separate account. But, don’t let that figure intimidate you: Decide what you can realistically put away, and go from there. If you start in January, you’ll be surprised how quickly your money will add up.

4. Curb your impulses. From fancy coffee to fashion magazines, DVD rentals to fast food – everybody has a few inexpensive vices. But, these little luxuries can add up to a big drain on your wallet. 2009 is a great time to cut down on impulse purchases. Got a twice-a-day latte habit? Kick it down to twice a week. Addicted to convenience foods? Make a lunch at home and brown bag it. You’ll be surprised at how much you’ll save.

5. Be a savvy shopper. Even the most financially savvy people in the world still have to go grocery shopping. But, there are dozens of ways to shop smarter in 2009 and stretch your dollar when stocking up on the necessities. Clip coupons and watch store circulars for double (or even triple) coupon events. Consider switching to store-brand items whenever possible. In most cases, they’re just as good as the national brand and can save you some serious money. Also, get in the habit of making a list before you go out – it’ll help you stay focused and buy only what you need.

6. Check your credit. From helping you secure a home mortgage to, in some cases, landing a new job, your credit report is used in countless ways. All consumers are eligible for a free annual credit report from the three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Start the new year off right – request a copy from each and read them carefully. Not only does this give you the chance to dispute errors, taking the time to check up on your credit can also alert you to fraudulent activities, like accounts you didn’t open or charges you didn’t make.

And finally, my most important tip for 2009:

7. Write a budget. And stick to it. Writing a budget isn’t nearly as scary as it sounds. And, a budget is a great way to make sure that your finances stay on track in 2009. It’s pretty easy: Start with your total monthly household income, then deduct your bills (like your rent or mortgage, utilities, car payments, etc.) and expenses (like gas and food). After that, decide how much you want to put in your savings account and how much will go to your emergency fund. And, don’t forget to leave yourself a little fun money for the occasional restaurant meal or night at the movies. And remember to be flexible: If you find yourself a little strapped for cash after you’ve worked out your budget, don’t ditch it altogether – make adjustments until you hit on a budget you can live with.

Making a few simple adjustments to your spending and saving habits can go a long way. Follow these tips and you’ll be on the way to a financially secure new year.

Good luck and have a happy, healthy 2009!

Copyright © 2008 Reality Media Inc.

In today’s shaky economy, it’s more important than ever to know what’s going on with your money. But, while you’re fretting about the state of your IRA or the security of your bank, it’s critical to make sure that you’re protected against one of the country’s fastest-growing crimes: identity theft.

You’ve probably heard horror stories about ID theft – you may even know someone who has suffered the stress of being a victim. It’s scary stuff: All it takes is an account number and a little bit of personal information, and an ID thief can open credit cards, make charges, or even apply for high-dollar loans . . . in your name.

The good news is that there are several ways to guard against ID theft. By making a few changes and doing a little bit of legwork, you can ensure that your identity remains yours:

• Be careful what you throw away. Countless cases of ID theft happen simply because the victim unwittingly threw away a bank statement, credit card receipt, or pre-approved credit application. Maybe you don’t see your stinky garbage can as a gateway of opportunity, but, to your average identity thief, trash day offers the chance to do a little “dumpster diving” for your personal information. Make sure that your garbage is just that, and don’t throw away something that could fall into the wrong hands. And, to make things even more difficult for would-be crooks. . .

• Invest in a shredder. Ranging in price from about $30 to $75, a good document shredder is one of the best purchases you’ll ever make. Get into the habit of shredding anything that contains your personal information, even junk mail.

• Get a copy of your credit report. You’re entitled to review copies of your credit report once a year for free, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to stay on top of your credit. After all, you can’t protect your credit until you know what’s on it . . . and who put it there. Review your credit reports thoroughly, and take note of anything that seems fishy, like a card you don’t remember opening or a charge that you know you didn’t make. Don’t be afraid to dispute suspicious or inaccurate listings, either. To find out how to review a free copy of your credit report, visit the three credit reporting agencies at: www.annualcreditreport.com you get a free copy every year from each of the 3 credit reporting agencies.

• Leave extra ID at home. Sure, you need your driver’s license, but do you need your passport, Social Security Card, or birth certificate? Make sure that you don’t carry more ID than you actually need. Do a quick inventory of your wallet or your purse and make sure you don’t have any unnecessary identification. For a little extra protection, leave your important documents in a fireproof safe in your home so you’ll always know where they are. Having your purse stolen is never fun, but it’s even scarier if it contains all of your personal information.

• Memorize your PIN numbers. Never, never write down your PIN numbers. Keep them in the safest place possible: your head. If you absolutely must keep your PINs written down, don’t carry them with you. Keep them at home in a secure place or shred them once you know them by heart.

• Say “Cheese.” Get ready for your close-up and opt for a debit card and/or credit card with your picture on it. It’ll make it that much harder for an ID thief to get away with using your name. For a little extra security, instead of signing the backs of your cards, write “CHECK ID” instead: Most retailers will honor that request and ask to see a driver’s license before using the card.

• Place a “credit freeze” on your credit report. Really want to give identity thieves the cold shoulder? Freeze your credit. Contact the three major credit reporting agencies, and request a credit freeze (sometimes called a “security freeze”). When you’ve got a freeze on your credit, it means that creditors and lenders cannot view your credit report without your permission. If someone applies for credit in your name, you’ll be notified. Keep in mind that a credit freeze costs around $10 per reporting agency (and about the same amount to remove the freeze), but the extra peace of mind is well worth the price.

• Don’t get reeled into a monthly fee. Many companies offer fee-based, monthly credit monitoring services that promise you protection against ID theft for a “low” monthly fee. Don’t buy it. At best, you’re spending unnecessary money; at worst, you’re just, plain getting ripped off. You can protect your credit yourself long term using a credit freeze for $10 and a letter to the credit reporting agencies.

• Take your bills to the post office. Avoid putting checks in your home mailbox if possible, especially if you don’t have a locking mailbox. If you’re mailing bills, it’s best to drive to the post office and drop them in the box where they’re safe from the prying eyes of ID thieves. Or, pay your bills online through your bank’s secure website, and you don’t have to worry about your check getting lost in the shuffle.

A few precautions like these can make all the difference when it comes to protecting yourself from identity theft. In any economy, a little protection can save you from a lot of undue stress.