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With the end of 2009 just days away, you still have time to make some shrewd

financial decisions. Some things you may wish to consider include 10 items listed below.

1. Make an extra house payment before January 1, 2010. This will allow you to deduct the interest portion of your house payment on your 2009 taxes.

2. Make a tax-free gift of up to $13,000 to each of your children or grandchildren before December 31, 2009. The IRS views this gift as tax-free to both the giver and the recipient. A married couple can give $26,000 to each recipient. Be sure and call your tax advisor or accountant before making this gift to insure it is compliant with IRS rules.

3. Contribute an extra amount to your future through your company retirement plan.

This must be done before January 1, 2010.

4. Contribute to your own private 401(k), IRA, or Roth IRA. You have until April 15, 2010 to make this contribution.

5. You may wish to delay receiving a company bonus or holiday gift until after January 1, 2010. However, you will still be responsible for the taxes; you will only delay them for one year, and the check must be dated in 2010.

6. Make a generous contribution to your church or place of worship prior to January 1, 2010.

7. Make a generous contribution to your favorite charity prior to January 1, 2010.

8. Considering making a large purchase (a house, a new car, etc.,) in the next few weeks?

Talk with your accountant to discover the advantages or disadvantages of timing your purchase in 2009 versus 2010. Make the decision that best benefits your financial situation.

9. Take an honest and heartfelt look at your financial situation and develop a realistic spending plan for 2010.

10. Talk with your tax advisor or accountant about other year-end tax-saving moves you may make.