Your New Year's resolutions should be in full swing by now. Hopefully you included financial resolutions as well.

With thoughts for a prosperous 2001, I have assembled my fourth annual "Financial To-Do List" for 2001. Many of these items are repeated from previous lists because their importance is applicable year after year.

* Consolidate and Coordinate: Pull all your financial data together. Utilize a financial software program or other means to capture this information in an easy fashion. Compiling this information is usually challenging.

Frequently, assets may be at various institutions and consolidating the information can be difficult.

However, once accomplished, the financial planning process becomes considerably less burdensome.

* Financial Planning: Evaluate the progress you have made in reaching your financial goals. Review your plan and make adjustments as necessary.

If you don't have a plan, I would suggest that you get started on one. If you don't know where you are going, then you may end up someplace else - financially speaking.

* Estate Planning: There is a great deal of uncertainty regarding the potential elimination of or changes in estate taxes. Whether or not estate tax laws are passed, it is clear that estate planning will continue to be necessary.

Take a look at your wills and trusts and be certain they reflect your current wishes. Review the beneficiary designations of your IRAs, retirement plans and life insurance.

It is recommended that you consult with a qualified estate planning attorney to draft appropriate documents.

* Income Taxes: The income tax filing deadline is coming. When preparing your income taxes look at your income and determine if there are ways to reduce the taxable portion - short of quitting your job!

Consider municipal bond investments. Defer taking gains from securities until they are held for at least one year in order to receive lower long term capital gain rates. Contribute to IRAs or company sponsored retirement plans. Utilize flexible spending accounts. Consider charitable contributions. Consider adjusting your income tax withholding if you end up owing Uncle Sam come April 15.

* Investments: Calculate the rate of return you earned last year. Was this return good or bad, relative to the amount of risk taken?

last year was a humbling year for many investors. If you were aggressive in 2000, the year was good for self-evaluation. You learned whether or not your nerves could stomach the volatility and losses which many experienced.

If you could not tolerate the bumpy ride, you learned you would forsake the opportunity for big gains and play it safe.

* Retirement Plans: Contribute to employer 401(k), 403(b) plans, etc. If eligible, contribute to a Roth IRA. Speculation suggests that we will see enhanced IRAs with higher annual contribution limits and eligibility. Self-employed individuals should consider establishing a qualified retirement plan.

* College Funding: Explore the features of Section 529 plans (see Fall '98 issue of SIP News, at http://www.sargentlundy.com/sip) and determine if the benefits are appropriate for you. Start an education funding plan as early as possible. Examine financial aid opportunities.

Decisions you make now on saving for future education expenses may determine your eligibility for financial aid.

* Insurance: Review all your insurance policies for adequate coverage, including life, auto, health, homeowners, disability and long term care. Evaluate the appropriateness of new, continued, increased or decreased coverage.

This year's list is by no means exhaustive. Additional items should be reviewed as well. The important point is to get your arms around your financial house and set up a strong foundation or improve the way it is already structured.