Getting Control of Your Finances in 2012

For those of you who have put "getting control of my finances" near the top of your New Year's Resolutions List, here is a quick, easy and FREE way to get started.

Imagine a website that could pull together all of your various bank, investment and credit accounts and keep the information updated on a daily basis.  Now imagine that you could set up reminders and alerts for yourself so that you could get an email or a text when something important is happening - like your bank balance is getting low or a bill is due or an unusually large amount has been charged to your credit card.  The free service at http://www.mint.com offers all of this and more.

This site has helped many people get a better grasp of 'where the money is going' each month.  It does this by pulling together the spending from all accounts (checking, debits, credit cards, store cards, etc..) and categorizing it for you (food, clothing, etc...).   Users can even set up budgets for particular types of expense and track their progress throughout the month.  This is great if you are trying to get a handle on debit card purchases like fast food, gourmet coffee (you know what I am talking about) and blitz-krieg-like shopping sprees.  It cannot track your cash, however, so best to use the debit card when you are in tracking mode.

Spend five minutes right now setting yourself up for success on this year's resolution:

• Take three minutes today to visit the site to learn more -- or simply watch the youtube video at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK6WLHNYjwM  
• Take two minutes to set up your username and password for the site (remember, it's FREE)

Then make an appointment with yourself to enter information about each of your accounts into the system.  Don't put it off too long or you will likely find this reappearing on your 2013 Resolution List.  If you already have online access to your accounts, this step will go quickly.  If not, you will have to set up online access first, then add the information to mint.com.  Information you will need:

• bank or company name
• account number
• username and password for online access

That's it.  Really.  You can play around with the program and set up as many bells and whistles as you wish...  but it's not necessary.  You will be amazed at the changes that will begin to happen in your financial life once you no longer feel overwhelmed... and begin feeling like you are back in control.  Happy New Year!

PLEASE NOTE:  The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy.  When you access one of these links, you assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the websites you are linking to.  We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these websites and we accept no liability for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or use of third party technologies, websites, information and programs.

Laura Wilcox, CFP, MS is an advisor and advocate for women preparing for or already dealing with the death of a partner, divorce, disability, retirement, care-giving or needing care, late life marriage or career change. Besides working with women one-on-one, she offers free educational workshops designed to help women begin the process of thinking about and planning for life's transitions.

Laura L. Wilcox, CFP^®, MS

www.laurawilcox.info

Wilcox Financial Advisors, s.c.
10521 W. Layton Avenue, Suite 200
Greenfield, Wisconsin  53228

Phone (414) 529-5599
FAX (414) 529-9800
Cell (414) 795-4514

Registered Principal, Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC.  Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor.  Cambridge and Wilcox Financial Advisors, s.c. are not affiliated.