While considering financial resolutions, here's another option -- one that will save a few bucks on books. You can get a free download of Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan, thanks to Oprah. But hurry (I love that infomercial phrase) -- the offer expires Jan. 15.

Orman is a media darling these days, thanks to exposure on Oprah and other shows. Here's how Orman decribes the book: "As I have said for years: "If you plan for life's 'what if's' there's no need to panic when the news turns bad. An emergency cash fund is your security when a recession causes rising unemployment. A long-term investment strategy that employs a mix of stocks and bonds makes it easier to get through scary bear markets; living within your means, rather than running up credit card ... debt leaves you better able to weather financial storms."

That sort of advice has been a primer for financial health long before Orman became a star. Folks around Baltimore will remember similar suggestions made by Julius Westheimer for years. But in these times, a back-to-basics strategy is pretty sound.