"Saving" once again in focus

Little surprise given current events, but saving money (thankfully) is back in the American spotlight after years of posting negative numbers. The number one New Year's resolution for 2009 is to save more money, according to 59 percent of those who participated in a survey conducted for TD AMERITRADE in December. While the traditional health-related New Year's resolutions – like exercise more, eat better and lose weight – were cited as goals for 2009, they were no longer within the top three New Year's resolutions as has been the case in years past.

Americans indicated that of the resolutions offered, they would be most likely to keep the following:

• Start or build retirement savings — 59 percent
• Spend more time with family — 52 percent
• Pay off debt — 48 percent
• Start or build an investment portfolio — 47 percent
• Have more fun — 43 percent

Americans indicated that of the resolutions offered, they would be most likely to break the following:

• Relax or reduce stress — 73 percent
• Make more time for self — 72 percent
• Weight loss plan — 72 percent
• Exercise plan — 71 percent
• Eat better — 70 percent