The New Year is always a good time to think about your financial goals and objectives for the year ahead and beyond. But don’t feel as though you have to do everything at once. Instead of the annual ritual of overdoing New Year’s resolutions and making grandiose plans (then backsliding or giving up after a few months), why not resolve to take a series of small steps throughout the year?

During the next 12 months on our blog, we will share 12 quick, easy things you can do to help you stay on track with your financial goals. Just one thing per month — 12 proactive tasks for 12 months in 2012.

In January, resolve to call your advisor if you’ve recently had or are planning any major life changes that may impact your investment planning.

Marriage, divorce, a career change, the birth of a child, returning to school, a new car purchase and many other life events can impact your finances – both in the short term and the long term. Take just a moment to contemplate recent changes or ones you see on the horizon, and let us know what’s new. With a brief review of your investment plan, we can help ensure you stay on track with your financial goals.

Here’s a preview for the year ahead. Don’t worry, we’ll provide you with more detail when the time comes.

In February, resolve to spend a few hours organizing your personal files and documents.

In March, resolve to talk to your children or grandchildren about the importance of saving and investing.

In April, resolve to review your life, home and auto insurance policies to ensure they meet your current needs.

In May, resolve to spend a few hours volunteering your time to a charitable organization or worthy cause.

In June, resolve to assess your need for disability insurance.

In July, resolve to create or update your will.

In August, resolve to call a family meeting to discuss your estate plan/will, and follow it up with a fun event like a dinner or outing.

In September, resolve to review and, if needed, update all beneficiary information for your accounts and policies.

In October,resolve to create a budget for holiday spending.

In November, resolve to call your financial and tax advisor to discuss any questions you may have about your 2012 income tax filing.

In December, resolve to review your financial plan to see if the goals you’ve set are still on track and important to you.