A women’s magazine asked me to offer some of my clever and fun necessities to help inspire readers to get their finances in order in the New Year. Sadly, this magazine ran out of pages in its January issue to run my interview, so I decided to publish my tips here on my blog. I hope that’s okay? I mean, I can’t let my Eddie Murphy idea go to total waste! (see #11)

#1 Download The Dealista’s Quick and Dirty Tips For Getting More for Less
Why: Because education is empowerment! And it’ll be a nice iPod distraction on the subway. This podcast was created by the personal finance editors at WiseBread.com, where you can find sales, chat with other deal seekers and discover great resources on saving money. Get for free on iTunes.

#2 A New Accordion Folder
Why: Buying a new one every year ($12.99 at Staples) forces me go through and transfer all my paperwork and financial documents from the previous year, decide which to keep and which to shred. I always include forms from the last three tax seasons, insurance, utilities and the various contracts I’ve signed throughout the year.

#3 Set up an alarm in phone for paying bills
Why: While most of my bills are automatically paid through my checking account, for some things I still write checks. For example, my health insurance bill and the apartment I rent. Setting an alarm in my phone for one week before the bills are due makes sure I can drop them off in the mailbox in time to meet the deadlines.

#4 A Mason Jar
Why: It’s my version of the adult piggy bank. It’s a great place to store loose change and the clear glass lets you see your coins piling up. In six months, get a free lunch!

#5 Sign up at Smartypig.com
Why: I must get to Paris this year. Must. At SmartyPig.com I can save specifically for this goal and even invite my parents and friends to contribute to the account (in lieu of birthday gifts).

#6 Set Up a Sale eMail Account
Why: I need to clear the clutter in my Inbox. I like setting up a separate email account to transfer all my emails related to online deals and coupons.

#7 Make a list of all my online account names and passwords, including my frequent flier accounts
Why: It takes an hour but it’ll save me many moments of frustration during the year trying to access my secure online accounts. For safe keeping I store my ff #s and all my passwords on my laptop and separately on a portable hard drive. Both devices require passwords, and the file is not labeled “secret passwords” to give thieves easy access. It’s called “spam and viruses” (not true but I am thinking that’s what I should do).

#8 Set up a separate tax savings account
Why: I’m a part of the new freelance economy so most of paychecks don’t take include taxes. It’s up to me to save enough so that I don’t come up short April 15. Setting up a separate tax savings account where I automatically dump 40% of my paycheck gives me piece of mind that I’ll have more than enough money to pay Uncle Sam come tax season.

#9 Call my mom more often
Why: Keeping my mom informed of my financial goals will make sure someone (besides myself) keep me accountable. Takeaway – identify someone in your life that can help keep you accountable. A money buddy. Just like when you want to lose weight you do it with a friend to encourage each other and to hold each other back from temptation.

#10 Bookmark the NY Times real estate section on my laptop
I am obsessed with real estate, hoping to buy again in the near future. The NY Times real estate section gives me great tips and insight into the market. And the featured homes are such eye candy. They inspire me to save so I can someday have my dream home in the next 2-3 years.

#11 Eddie Murphy’s Delirious Ice Cream skit on YouTube
When I’m done organizing and paying off my bills, I reward myself with a funny YouTube clip (or ten). My latest favorite is Eddie’s stand-up routine about how he’d run after the ice cream truck in hysterics as a child. It definitely reminds me to appreciate the simple things in life. “Thank you, ice cream man!”
Watch below for 8 minutes of pure funny.  

Contains strong language. Parental discretion is advised.