Years ago, there was a commercial on TV where the actor would look seriously into the camera and say: we make money the old fashioned way, we earn it. He was speaking of a stockbrokerage company that successfully utilized that slogan for years. I mention this commercial because I believe we’re headed back to the old fashioned days, where a penny saved was a penny earned.

Prior to the recent stock market crash, our homes and investments were going up in value each year and in many cases, faster than many of us anticipated. That was good news for many, but it also came with consequences.  Due to the rapid rise in net-worth, many people neglected or just simply forgot how to save money during these times. And if you ended up not saving and spending too much one year, cheap money was available in the form of refinancing your home mortgage. Those days are gone.

So as we move into a new year, think about not just getting in good physical shape, but into good financial shape as well. If your savings muscle is flabby, put it to work. Start with small baby steps, setting monthly goals that are attainable. Get back into the habit of saving and you’ll feel your financial integrity level rise with your savings account. If you need a little extra help, please read or re-read the seminal book on money-Your Money or Your Life.

If spending is your challenge, you’ll need to flex your frugal muscle. Going back to the book, Your Money or Your Life; realizing that you trade your life energy for money, and that every time you spend money you’re spending your life energy, that awareness ought to create a speed bump on the road to spending.

Bottom line, reaching your short-term as well as long term financial goals is going to take good old fashioned saving habits. The sooner you have a plan on how to reach your financial goals, the sooner you’ll reach them.