MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS

My Financial New Year's Resolutions

Unlike some of the other experts on this blog, I’m no financial guru. Far from it. But as a freelance writer who has tackled the subjects of mortgages and real estate over the past few years, I’ve learned a thing or two about what I should be doing with my finances. Have I put this knowledge into action? No. But I guess that’s what New Year’s resolutions are for, right?

Below are my top financial resolutions for 2012. My goal is to outline them here, and update you on my progress throughout the year.

1. Address my family’s credit score situation.

While I don’t know for sure, I have a feeling that my husband and I don’t have the greatest credit scores. My goal is to overcome my fear, apply for the free credit reports that we’re allotted each year, see what the damage is – and actually take steps to remedy the problem.

1. Re-evaluate our household budget.

After recently having a baby, I don’t take the time to brush my hair in the morning much less re-evaluate our household spending. With my decreased income and our increased expenses, however, I’m assuming it’s quite likely that things could use a little tweaking in that arena. My goal is to come up with a new household budget, and find a way to stick to it.

1. Pay off our mortgage faster.

Being self-employed, there are months when I can barely make the bills – and others when I feel like I’m swimming in cash. My goal is to have a plan in place to put some of that extra cash towards my mortgage – as well as my taxes, our emergency fund, and maybe a vacation fund too.

1. Establish a financial plan.

I really would feel a lot better if our household had some sort of financial direction, but every call I’ve made to our bank to get the ball rolling on that front has ended poorly. My goal? To actually follow through, and find a way to get our finances – retirement savings, investments, wills, etc – figured out.

1. Get organized.

Every year, when it comes time to do my taxes, I scurry around the house, hunting for all the necessary paperwork, receipts and bills that need to be documented. Just once, I’d like to have these ducks lined up ahead of time.

Vanessa Chris is a freelance writer and communications director at Axiom Mortgage Solutions. You can reach her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .