OCTOBER 2010

Embrace the New Season by Making Changes of Your Own

The temperatures are starting to dip, the sun is setting a little earlier, and school is in session. A new season is a wonderful time to get organized and settled into a new schedule. Let SAM prompt some change.

 

Get your financial house in order. Understanding your finances will enable you to plan for your near and distant future.

• Make time to manage your money.

• Set a plan in motion to reduce debt.

• Pay yourself first; save for your future.

• Consider meeting with a financial advisor.

Pencil ‘you’ in. Your career determines your income, benefits, and lifestyle.

• Become ‘promotion-ready’ by staying current in industry news, embracing opportunities to learn new skills, and joining visible project teams.

• Update your resume and start a file of employment contributions and accolades that you would want to share with a potential new employer.

• When considering a job change, be sure to factor a pay increase in addition to all relevant expenses such as commuting costs, changes in benefits, and child care.

• Going back to school takes some financial planning. Determine your financial needs to help make the decision.

Is your holiday dance card already filling up? Holiday shopping and parties are just around the corner.

• Make a list of loved ones you will be shopping for and create a budget and a plan.

• Consider layaway as a shopping option.

• Start shopping now using in-store coupons and special offers.

• Consider making thoughtful homemade gifts.