by MATTHEW S. SCOTT January 1, 2006 ------------------------- Like many Americans, Sheret Payton has a cash flow problem. She adheres to a budget, but it rarely seems to cover all of her

expenses. The 24-year-old Chicago native lives at home with her father and has a 4-year-old son, Robert, to care for. A conscientious adult, Payton pays rent, tithes, and for childcare and

groceries — all on her $12-an-hour job as a medical collections representative in Olympia Fields, Illinois. She has even managed to start setting aside $100 per pay period. “I really want to

start saving,” she says. “I have two accounts, and in one I direct deposit $100 for savings every pay period. But it seems like I always use it.” Payton has only been on her current job for

trying to make any excuses for my situation; I’m just trying to help myself in any way possible.” Most consumers could use some help these days. Increasing energy costs, the onset of

inflation, higher interest rates, and stagnating wages have all begun to pinch our bottom lines. So whether you’re an entrepreneur with a startup, a seasoned investor, or you have a limited

income, here are a range of actions you can take to move your financial fortune forward in 2006. GET ON TRACK Build a financial plan. It’s important to start the year off right by

understanding where you are going. David A. Hinson, president of Wealth Management Network, says creating a real financial plan with a professional financial adviser or setting up your own

financial budget will get you on track to meet your financial goals. Brent Neiser, a certified financial planner and director of collaborative programs at the National Endowment for

Financial Education, says creating a financial plan early is important because many people may have experienced major adjustments in 2005 that could affect their financial situation. You may

have changed jobs, bought or sold a business or some real estate, received an inheritance, or started planning for a child’s education. These changes could require you to come up with a new

financial strategy. Update your inventory of personal items. Neiser says people should take video footage of their personal belongings to protect their assets. “With the hurricanes, we saw

the value of having a good inventory record when filing claims,” he says. “Walking around with a digital camera lets you narrate the items you have and even make statements about the history

of some items, or their significance in your family.” Begin budgeting for special, planned expenses. It’s a good idea to set aside money for big purchases you have planned for 2006, says

Neiser, such as