Resolutions for 2004

Physicians should seek to start theirfinancial new year off on the rightfoot. First off, rebalance your portfolioto your target asset mix. If the recentmarket run-up has left you heavy inequities, put some of the excess fundsinto bonds or cash. With the new taxlaw, capital gains tax rates are lower, sotweaking your portfolio shouldn't costyou much, even if the assets are held in ataxable account. Next, automate yourIRA contributions. If your IRA administratorwill let you, arrange to have yourcontribution deposited directly everymonth. That's easier than writing a fatcheck on April 15 and allows you to dollar-cost-average as well. And for a tax-free,double-digit gain, invest in payingoff your credit card debt.