Hi all!

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I enjoyed time over the holidays spent with family, and everyone I've spoken with has said the same thing. Family is important, and my broker put it in perspective when he said "no matter what you do for a living, the bottom line is that you do it for your family, to be with them and spend time with them." This was a holiday season that it really hit home.

That said, we all have our New Year's resolutions, but I find it amazing how so many go by the wayside within six weeks. I stopped making "New Year's resolutions" many years ago for that very reason. I set goals, but not necessarily at the beginning of the year. Businesses usually set up projections/plans/goals for the next year mostly to be in conjunction with the new year--which coincides with the tax year.

So what are your goals? Not just for this year, but your future? Are you renting, or in a situation where you'd like to buy a home? Do you have a great job, but want a better job? Or are you working at a crappy job and want better, or you love your job, but think that things could be better? How about your family life? Are there things you would like to do and it just hasn't happened?

If you haven't written down your goals, now is the time to do it. Owning a house, buying an investment property, getting a better job, traveling or spending more time with your family--these are all goals. Some people prefer pictures--cut out from a magazine, or off the internet--do what works for you. Write them down and then be open to ideas on how to accomplish them as they come to you.

I'll use buying a house as an example. It's at the top of your list and you're ready to own. Let's say you've never owned a house, you know you're credit is not the best, but honestly are not sure what your credit score is. You have balances on a few credit cards, and you're able to put a little away each month to save for your new home. You think it'll take years before you will be able to buy, but have you really figured out the details? First, by talking to a banker or mortgage broker, they can pull your current credit report which will give you a credit score. This information alone can help determine your ability to buy. If you have a credit score of 395, chances are really good you won't get a mortgage. But in the 620+ range, you could be in a good range to buy, depending on your other factors.

Your household income and debt, as well as any savings you have also play a factor in your ability to buy. A lender will look at your debt-to-income ratio to help determine how much house you can afford to buy.

Also, as a first time homebuyer, there are first time homebuyer programs available based on your income and family size (a family of one is eligible), and/or occupation.

See, while a goal may be to "buy my first home" in the future, it could very well become a reality for you this year. Home prices are stablizing, and interest rates are now below five percent. The last time they were this low was when the housing boom did happen (now 3 years ago)--except home prices are much lower now--in a more realistic range.

If you figure out that you have just a little too much debt to buy a house, then come up with a plan to turn that around--a better paying job, and/or paying off credit card debt, putting just a little more each pay period in to the savings account. The point is to come up with a plan and stick to it--whatever that plan is.

Good luck and have fun with getting your goals together!