You will be able to set yourself up for success and ensure that your New Years resolutions won’t turn into end-of-the-year regrets. It’s the perfect time to organize and stock up on pantry items and office supplies for the new year. Here are five tips to get your new year off on the right track.

* Buy a 2011 Calendar. Purchase a calendar (www.effective-time-management-strategies.com/calendar.htmlYou can fill this with information about your family, school hours, work commitments and meal times. Your calendar will be organized by the start of the year to make the most of your work and play time.

* Buy Ink Cartridges. You should always have a spare cartridge of ink or toner on hand. You can choose the cartridges that your printer manufacturer offers to ensure quality and reliability. Also, you might consider online options such as HP’s for purchasing replacement cartridges.www.shopping.hp.com/suppliesYou can do so with ease. Ink cartridge recycling programs such as HP Planet Partners (www.hp.com/recycleHelp reduce the environmental impact of cartridges by diverting them from landfills.

* Join a Wholesale Supermarket. The membership fee is not a reason to be discouraged from wholesale clubs, which are filled with deals that can save you big. According to Wall Street Journal “Shopping in a Big Way: Warehouse vs. Big Box,”Michael Clayman, editor Warehouse Club Focus” “warehouse-club pricing is often 50 percent less than a regular retailer’s and up to 25 percent less than nonclub big-box stores.”Because bulk products use less packaging, you can help the environment by buying larger quantities.

* Replenish Your Card Stock. You can be prepared for holidays and birthdays by having enough cards. You can avoid having to scramble for a card late in the year by keeping stationery and cards on hand.

* Subscribe to a Magazine. Subscriptions to magazines that you and your family regularly read can help you save a lot of money. Subscribers to many magazines can get discounts and deals at the start of the year. If you are buying less than 25% of the year’s issue at the newsstand it might be cheaper to subscribe.

The pace of life today is rapid. People can check their kids’ soccer scores on the phone, while also sending emails to work with the help of digital technology. Consumers can expect the same conveniences and benefits from all businesses, except their insurance companies, thanks to the internet age. Although 98 per cent of insurance claims are processed within 30 working days, it can be frustrating for those who have difficulty paying their medical bills.

It’s not enough to simply be insured when nearly two-thirds American households make less than 2002. It is vital to understand how quickly and efficiently your insurance carrier pays claims. This is important for both financial and medical recovery.

According to a recent survey, 66% of workers would struggle to pay for the financial burdens associated with serious injuries and illnesses. Only 49% of workers have over $1,000 to pay out-of-pocket costs. Employers are being forced to take cost-saving measures due to rising health care costs, which is putting even more financial pressure on employees.

* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.

* Increasing employees’ share of premium.

* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.

A lot of people will have to wait for up to a few months before receiving their insurance payments. Many insurance companies strive to provide fast service with better technology and better understanding of customers’ needs. This is one example. AflacIn the insurance industry, it is rare to find policies that allow for claims approval, processing, and payment within one day.

In the past, fast payment policies were a luxury. It is a necessity in today’s world. It is more important than ever that you have money available immediately for serious injuries or illnesses. Your insurance company should be able to respond quickly.

Aflac’s One Day Pay Promise can be found at aflac.com/onedaypay.