As I said in my column, we’ve had quite a year on the personal finance front. So going in to 2009, I asked some of my sources to share their nuggets of wisdom for thriving in the New Year.

Here are a few more that I couldn’t squeeze into the column. Add your own below.

Karen Heimdahl, LSS Financial Counselor, Hopkins: There is community building around the fact that most people are struggling and having to make lifestyle changes. Share ideas and think creatively about how to work together.  This could be in the form of casual sharing with groups of friends or co-workers, but also in websites and blogs. Big-picture, I see this as an opportunity for us as Americans to evaluate our actions that got us to this point …  (and) can allow us to seek and implement ways to live more efficiently and with less, which will have greater implications for the wellness of people and our planet long-term.

Dean Junkans, Chief Investment Officer, Wells Fargo Wealth Management Group: From a personal finance perspective, it is now in style to not spend. I knew that if I waited long enough, I would be in style! Unfortunately, it took a weak economy and a difficult job environment to get consumers to rationalize their spending. This is an opportunity for people to stash some emergency savings.

Brian Kompelian, Financial Advisor, Ensemble Planning, Minneapolis: The stock market is like the weather; you can’t control it. But you can take steps to protect yourself. Get organized, make a plan, and stick to it. Focus on the things that you can control: Saving and spending. The storm will pass.

Tara McCarthy, President of Financial Rehabilitation, Inc., Minneapolis: I work with people that are either in the midst of a financial crisis or trying to prevent one from happening. My clients are facing a lot of life changes and need to make some difficult choices that may include being foreclosed upon or seeking legal counsel regarding bankruptcy. For my clients, being responsible does not always mean paying back their debt. They need to take care of themselves and their families first.

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