Nine Suggested Money Moves For 2011

The Federal Reserve reports American businesses continue to sit on huge cash deposits and the amount appears to be growing.

In its latest report, the Fed said nonfinancial companies in the U.S. were holding $1.93 trillion in cash and other liquid assets at the end of September. That's up from $1.8 trillion at the end of June.

What about consumers? Since the economic meltdown of October 2008 Americans' saving rate has been on the rise. What should consumers be doing with their finances to maximize their financial stability in the year ahead?

"Building up a cash cushion and paying down debt are smart money moves no matter what your financial position," said Ethan Ewing, president of the financial website  Bills.com. "As more Americans have successfully adopted this strategy, it's time for them to demonstrate an even higher degree of financial savvy with some well-timed money maneuvers in 2011."

Ewing says there are nine steps consumers should take in 2011 to protect and build their money.

Revisit your monthly budget

A new year means a new budget. Calculate your monthly income, required monthly expenses, and then whittle down your discretionary spending. Allow for some flexibility and a few small luxuries to make it realistic, but be aggressive in cutting out extras. Be disciplined in your spending and saving - do not let extra savings one month increase your entertainment spending in the next.

Commit to reducing your debt or building your nest egg

If you still have credit card debt or a high interest secured loan, use the savings from your new, aggressive budget to begin paying it down. If you are debt free or are only paying down a low interest mortgage or auto loan, then be sure to build a nest egg equal to at least six months spending.

Ratchet up long-terms savings for retirement and college expenses

If you are fortunate enough to have paid off your debt and stashed away a sizable nest egg, then it's time to increase your retirement or college contributions. Be sure to max out retirement savings first because you can find loans for college if necessary. If your employer offers a 401(k) match, it's free money - take it.

Open a Health Savings Account (HSA)

If you are considering a high-deductible insurance plan, be sure to open an HSA to cover out of pocket medical expenses, including co-pays, health-related purchases, and more. Contributing to an HSA can lower your taxable income and allows your money to grow tax-deferred through retirement.

Re-bid your insurance provider

Insurance companies have also been hit hard by the recession. This means many will be even more aggressive to win your business. Comparison shop for cheaper home or auto insurance alternatives, but be sure to pay attention to differences in coverage so you remain adequately insured. You may find that your current provider is not the most affordable, or that they are willing to drop their rates to retain your business.

Research mortgage refinance rates on your home

Even if you refinanced your home in 2010, it makes sense to research rates again. For many homeowners, record low rates means you can save money and interest over the life of your loan with another home refinance. The Bills.com mortgage calculator provides an easy way to decide if a refinance makes sense for you.

Re-evaluate your monthly utilities

You can save hundreds of dollars a year by comparison shopping or reducing monthly utility bills such as television, Internet, and cell phone. More and more Americans are cutting the cord of traditional cable or satellite and finding basic or premium television content online in order to save money. Similarly, streaming movies offer a cheaper alternative to the Cineplex. Shop high speed Internet and cell phone providers for better rates, or consider reducing your Internet speed or cell phone minutes to save on monthly usage. Basic utilities such as garbage, home security, and recycling can also be bid out.

Assess healthcare and health insurance changes

Update your monthly budget with savings included. Check against actual spend.

With your new utility, insurance, and healthcare savings offsetting increases in retirement and college tuition contributions, rebalance your monthly budget. Tuck away additional extra income into your HSA or rainy day fund. As you approach the end of January, check your actual spending amounts against your expected budget to ensure accuracy.