2008 is finally behind us, and for those of us who have been struggling financially, perhaps even borrowing payday loans from time to time, are relieved that 2009 has finally come around, bringing the hope of prosperity with it.

You may have found yourself in a quandary when it came time to set your New Year’s resolutions. Usually we make resolutions targeted toward family and personal goals, but this year many are wondering what we can to do to earn the extra cash we need to make it through another year of economic turmoil. After all, we have been promised another 18 months of it.

Where Do You Stand This Year?

If you have lost your job, your first priority, obviously, is  finding work. That may prove to be quite difficult with more than 2.5 million others who have lost their jobs as well. Setting yourself apart from others is the key to employment this year as employers have the pick of the litter.

If you still have your job, you should be thankful that you do, and be more proactive at work, making yourself more valuable as an employee.

You can do this by taking on additional tasks or roles within your company. Employers are struggling, too, so this will make you a more valuable asset when decisions are made to cut some fat from the company. Your willingness to contribute to the success of the company will set you apart from the rest of your coworkers and the abundant pool of talent that is out of work and available for hire.

Financial Conservation in the New Year

Regardless of your situation, 2009 should have found you thinking more carefully about how to cut back or be more conservative when it comes to your finances.

In the event that you were to get laid off from your job, what measures do you have in place to support yourself and your family while finding work? Setting aside emergency cash while you are still working is a worthwhile investment for what may happen.

Unfortunately, third party financial help through a short-term payday loans may not be of use to you in times such as unemployment because many require proof of employment in order to utilize their short-term loan services. So that means it’s up to you to prepare now for what may be some difficult times ahead.

Taking Account of Your Personal Finances

In part II of the this article series on “Financial Preservation in 2009″, we will discuss a few strategies that you can use to to avoid being one of the many victims of today’s economy, but first it may be wise to take into account your current financial situation in regard to the debts you owe, your future employment outlook and your accounts and balances.

After doing so join us on the payday loans money blog for part two. We look forward to helping you brave the new year with the tools you need to come out on top.

Payday Loans looking better every day

This story from the L.A. Times shows that more middle-class citizens are using payday loans to help them through tough times. One woman took out a payday loan for car repairs. Smart lady. About seven years ago, I put my car repairs on a credit card. It’s still not paid off.

That one-time fee for a payday loan is sure looking a lot better than the years of interest I’m still paying on my credit card. The uptick in middle class people using payday loans just shows that more people are aware of their options. Short-term loans should always be considered as an alternative to long-term debt.

Considering your financial options seems to be the trend for 2009 New Year’s resolutions. This video at CNN.com shows that a lot of people are making financial  resolutions, and I’ve come up with a few of my own.

Resolution No. 1: No credit cards

If you are going to join me in this resolution, grab a pair of scissors.  I am not kidding. You might think that you need those little plastic squares of figurative money, but you don’t. Cut them up. Now. There are plenty of alternatives in financial emergencies that won’t cost you 18 percent interest.

If I could go back in time and never have a credit card, I’d do it. If you’re a young adult starting life on your own, heed this advice: Do not fill out that credit card application. You will regret it. When you’re staring down your 27th birthday and still paying for jeans you bought when you were 18, you are going to kick yourself.

Resolution No. 2: Say goodbye to material girl

I have always made excuses for spending $80 on jeans. “I’m going to wear them ALL THE TIME,” I said. Well, I can wear a $20 pair of jeans all the time, too. More people nowadays are saying goodbye to brand names and designer labels. You can do it, too.

Sure, finding less expensive alternative can be time-consuming and inconvenient. But if you know that going into it, it’ll make life easier. That time you spend watching sit-coms can be spent hunting for bargains instead. If it helps you avoid racking up bad debt, it’s well worth your time. Remember, payday loans are for emergencies and should be used when they can save you money. Don’t spend it on a pair of shoes.

Resolution No. 3: Keep resolutions

This blog is full of simple tips that will help you become debt-free. Know how much you owe. Make a plan. Most importantly, stick to that plan.

This study shows that women are more likely to make New Year’s resolutions, but less likely to keep them.  And the majority of people, women and men, do not keep their New Year’s resolutions. Well, 2009 is the year to turn this around. You can do it!

Resolution No. 4: No credit cards

I know, I know, I said this already. But it’s important! Know your financial options, like payday loans, and don’t end up with bad debt that never seems to go away.