3 "Must Do" items for 2008

This is an extremely simple post. I hope the majority of people reading this have already done these 3 things. If you have, then you are far ahead of most people.

1. Start contributing to your 401k. Make sure you contribute enough to get the full company match. Here's a tip: Don't ever pass up free money. If you fail to contribute enough to get the full match from your employer, then that is exactly what you are doing.

2. Start a Roth IRA. Besides your 401k, this is best investment account young professionals can setup. Put money in now and get it back whenever you need it (preferably at retirement).

3. Start a high yield savings account. It takes 10 minutes and you will make a lot more money by leaving your money in here instead of your current savings account.

If you have already done these three things then you are on the right track. If you haven't, then get these accounts open today. Not one of these things would take you more than 10-15 minutes to get up and running. That little bit of your time will make you a crap load of money (yes that is the scientific term) in the long run.