Australia Day is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on January 26th, the day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788, the hoisting of the British flag there, and the proclamation of British rule over the eastern seaboard of Australia.

If you are heading to Australia this winter, you will find several of their “summer” activities in store. You can walk along the coastal cliffs in Sydney or enjoy the beaches, vineyards, national parks, golf courses and day spas at Mornington Penninsula, Melbourne’s Summer Playground. Add some sunshine to your life in the Swan Valley, a scenic pocket of food, wine and history just 25 minutes from Perth. Celebrate the new year with a sampling of fine Tasmanian food and wine, entertainment and sailboats on Hobart’s historic waterfront.  See turtles nest and hatch near Bundaberg and mass coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef during summer from November to March. Or find yourself amongst native Australian animals and ancient Aboriginal artifacts on a summer bushwalk, bike ride or drive in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.  A great trip any time!

Are you heading to Australia soon?  Tell us your plans -

For the second year in a row, the number one New Years Resolution was to “Manage My Debt” and many people are considering borrowing from their 401(k) in order to do this.

The advantages of borrowing from your 401(k) are that since you are effectively borrowing your own money, from yourself, the interest you pay, as well as the principal, goes right back into your account. The loan process is fairly easy and you have 5 years to repay the debt.

However, there are several disadvantages as well.  First, if you happen to leave your job or are fired, the money you borrowed will be due in one lump sum within days or weeks of your departure.  If you do not have the money to repay the loan at that time, your remaining loan amount will be taxable to you as ordinary income.  If you are younger than 59 1/2 at that time, you will also pay a 10% federal penalty. 

Second, in order to give you the money, investments in your portfolio are liquidated which translates in to a loss of interest income and ultimately retirement income.  If you can avoid a loan from your 401(k) plan, please do.

How are you managing debt this year?

Is one of your New Years Resolutions to lose weight but you still want to satisfy your sweet tooth?  Check out Metromint Water.  It is a zero calorie chocolate mint treat!

Made with cocoa essence and real mint, once you try it you will be hooked.  (In fact they are currently sold out on the metromint website, but you can still order as they will be getting more soon.)

Although Chocolate Mint may be your favorite, Metromint also offers Cherrymint, Lemonmint, Orangemint, Spearmint and the original Peppermint.   There is one for every mint lover in your circle.

Metromint water can be found in several stores across the country and  makes a great gift. A case of 24 sells for $38 and comes with free shipping.  Take advantage of their great offer today.

Are you planning a LasLas Vegas Wedding? Check out award winning, Christie McCoy and her team at CLM Weddings and Events.  Among a wide variety of services, Christie offers full coordination, day of coordination, virtual planning and commitment ceremonies.  She has a unique and creative approach to wedding planning and will make sure your day is done your way.

Are you recently engaged and looking for the newest wedding color combinations?  The Knot  recently reported on the six hottest trends that we will see in 2010:

• Chartreuse & Aqua
• Blush & Mauve
• Garnet & Tangerine
• Lavender & Creme & Chocolate
• Fuchsia & Navy
• Lemon & Celadon

Which one will you choose?