Resolved to save

With economic anxiety the theme of 2011, it should come as no surprise that 73% of Americans plan to make at least one financial-related New Year’s resolution.

In its 2012 New Year’s Resolution Survey, TD Ameritrade Inc. asked 1,006 Americans about their personal goals for next year and found that the most popular money-minded resolutions were reducing spending, saving for a financial emergency such as a job loss or the loss of a spouse, and reducing debt.

Starting to save for retirement via a 401(k) or individual retirement account, or planning to do so, were the next-most-popular resolutions, followed by building an investment portfolio using stocks or mutual funds.

Women were twice as likely as men to say that their top resolution is to save money for a rainy day.

Despite the good intentions, almost half those surveyed said that there isn’t much that can be done about their financial future until the economy recovers.

“It’s disheartening that some people feel there’s nothing they can do, because it’s never too late to get started. Saving, and investing early and regularly, gives the power of compounding more time to work and makes it much more significant in the long run,” said Stuart Rubinstein, managing director of client experience at TD Ameritrade.

At least those passing on financial goals will have their health, as eating better, exercising more, losing weight and relaxing more topped the list of non-money-related resolutions. And they will be better entertained, as the most popular resolution among a volatility-weary populace is to have more fun.