24 resolutions that pay you back

As 2007 winds down, resolve to improve your work life and your financial health. Here are some ways you can save money, boost your career and be a greener consumer in 2008

1. Clip coupons. It's a quick and easy way to reduce your grocery bill.

2. Make a price book. Keep a record of the top dozen or so things you buy. Write down the size and price that you pay at various stores, then calculate the price per ounce, gram or unit. Record sale prices, too. Over time, you will easily recognize a bargain price on your staple items.

3. Budget now. Figure out where your money is going, and you can figure out how to save. Software such as Quicken helps you track your spending. Web sites such as Geezeo.com and Wesabe.com offer similar results, and they're free.

Once you have a monthly budget, plan for big purchases and holiday shopping. For instance, figure out how much you spent this year on presents and calculate how much you'll need to save monthly in 2008 to spend the same amount.

4. Save on energy. Insulating your home can cut utility bills by a third. Compact fluorescent bulbs, right, cost more than incandescent bulbs, but they last longer and use 75 percent less energy. Unplugging TVs and computers will cut energy costs, too.

5. Look for online coupon codes. If you shop for clothes or other items online, check Web sites such as www.couponcabin. com and www.cheapuncle.com to find coupon codes before you buy. Often, you can get free shipping or an additional discount.

6. Shop ahead. Keep a list of all the gifts you need to buy for a year. Buy throughout the year to take advantage of sales. Check items off as you buy them, and store them in one place to avoid duplication.

7. Earn more interest. Make sure your savings and checking accounts are earning the highest interest possible. If they aren't, consider switching to an online bank with higher rates.

8. Pay bills online. Banking on the Web eliminates the hassle of writing checks, the cost of stamps and the need to spend time in the post office. If you sign up for automatic draft payments, some vendors will give you a small discount.

Boosting your career

1. Get a job or a better job by networking through friends and family. Join local groups related to your career and attend Chamber of Commerce and other business-group meetings.

2. Set up online e-mail alerts so you can quickly respond to job postings. Each morning, check the Web sites of companies at which you would like to work for their latest job postings. Be prepared to respond quickly: Have your resume ready at all times and be sure it includes your cell phone number and e-mail address.

3. Get career advice from your alma mater. Some colleges and universities offer alumni a lifetime of help.

4. Make an inventory of your skills. Include everything, whether it relates to your current job or not. Your fluency in another language or baking ability could open doors.

5. Stay on top of changes in your job. Update your skills as necessary through specific training at local community colleges. Take advantage of the training that your company offers.

6. Make sure your pay is in line with the market. Sites that have salary information include www.salaryexpert.com and www.salary.com, right.

7. Go back to school on the cheap through iTunes University. You can download lectures, get leadership advice and sit in on conferences, after the fact, from Stanford, Duke and other universities. Most are free.

8. If you're looking for a promotion, ask your boss what you need to do to move up. Sometimes, communication is a useful thing. Find out whether there are skills you need to learn or projects you should tackle. Ask for specific goals. If you want to switch jobs within your company, ask how you can make that happen. Good bosses want to help strong employees get ahead.