Stop smoking. Start an exercise program. Never watch another World's Strongest Man competition on ESPN2. All very popular New Year's resolutions, but like most, they're very hard to keep. Instead of making resolutions you're going to end up breaking this year, resolve to make resolutions you can actually keep. And your pals at The Motley Fool are here to help you out.

Every day in the month of January we'll offer you a new tip on how to get your finances in order, including resources on how you can make each happen. So make your resolution a Foolish one and join us each day for a new Fool Year's Resolution.

January 28, 2000

Examine Annuities With a Foolish Eye
Think annuities are the cat's meow? The Fool's not so sure. Your retirement dollars will most likely serve you better elsewhere. Find out why we're not crazy about these investments, and check out our calculator to see how much difference even one percentage point in your returns can make over the long run.

Do It, Fool!

• Read the Fool's take on annuities.
• Find out how much difference a percentage point makes.
  

Estimate Your Post-Retirement Expenses
It's time to think about what kind of retirement you want and what it will cost. The best thing to do is try to estimate your expenses -- to make sure you don't outlive your money. Use our handy-dandy calculator to make sure you'll have enough to spoil the grandkids, start up that hot macrame website, and get a few tickets for Metallica: The Softer Years tour.

Do It, Fool!

• Calculate your post-retirement expenses.

January 26, 2000

Make Sure Your 401(k) Is as Foolish as Can Be
Are you maximizing the Foolishness of your 401(k)? Do you know if your employer provides matching contributions? You do know that you should have most, if not all, of your 401(k) money in an index fund, right? Learn all about this popular retirement vehicle in our 401(k) area.

Do It, Fool!

• Read all about 401(k)s here.
  
• Visit the 401(k) message board.

Learn About IRAs
How much do you know about IRAs, Fool? If the answer is "not much," then it's time to start learning about these retirement vehicles. Let the Fool lead you down the path to IRA understanding. Learn everything you could possibly want to know about IRAs and check out our cool calculators, too.

Do It, Fool!

• Learn all about IRAs.
  
• Find out which is better for you: Roth or traditional?
  
• Find out if you should convert your IRA to a Roth.

January 24, 2000

Start Planning for Retirement
You've come a long way, Fool. You're erasing the ugly blight of credit card debt. You're on a budget. Your investment prowess will soon be envied by all. Now, let's think about tomorrow -- as in your retirement. Do you know the difference between a SIMPLE and an ESOP? What's a 401(k)? Who is that Roth guy? We can help you answer all these questions and more. Start with our Foolish Retirement Plan Primer, then spend some time with our retirement calculator. Let thine eyes be opened to the way of the future retiree, Fool.

Do It, Fool!

• Learn some basic definitions with our Primer.
  
• Calculate how much you need to save now to have more later.

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