FROM YOU, TO YOU IN THIS SEASON OF GIFT-GIVING, DON'T FORGET TO PUT YOUR FINANCIAL WELL- BEING ON THE LIST.

Byline: Evan Pondel Staff Writer

It's the time of year for giving gifts to others but experts say you also need to think of your long-term financial well-being.

As Roberta Armijo, a certified financial planner with American Express in Arcadia, notes: ``People become too generous at the expense of their own retirement fund.''

When it comes to long-term success, this may be the time of year to give a few gifts to yourself - plan for your retirement, increase insurance coverage, consolidate debt.

Little changes now could make a big difference even before the next holiday season.

``Sometimes that requires listening to the market. It tells people things they previously didn't know,'' said Robert Doll, president and chief investment officer for Merrill Lynch Investment Managers.

Here, with the help of financial planners, insurance brokers, Realtors, mortgage brokers and other experts, are 10 gifts you can give yourself.

``In the end, you're the one doing all of the work,'' said David Schult, a consumer affairs lecturer at California State University Long Beach. ``Shouldn't the first payment be to yourself?''

Evan Pondel, [phone]

evan.pondel(at)dailynews.com

Mortgage Moves - With interest rates poised to go up, it is imperative to understand how a variable rate versus a fixed rate mortgage will affect your payments. Conventional wisdom says it's better to have a fixed rate mortgage when interest rates rise. But variable rates shouldn't be shunned, either.

Insurance Inventory - Earthquakes, fire and floods - Californians are all too familiar with such catastrophes. Before they strike, take an inventory of valuable items that require the protection of a homeowner's insurance policy. General rule: Policies should cover about half of a home's current market value.

401(k) Distribution - An aggressive personality doesn't always equate to an aggressive 401(k) plan. The economy isn't constant, and that's why investments are occasionally redistributed. Time to check that 401(k) formula and reconsider contribution and retirement goals.

Will Call - Our lives change, and so should our wills. Sure, estate planning is a rather morbid activity during the holiday season. But at time when the family comes together, dusting off that will is probably a good idea. Note: Financial advisers and estate planning attorneys aren't always looking to gouge their clients.

Budget - There is something about the holidays and shopping that inevitably drain the savings account. Unfortunately, not all gifts can be homemade. But setting aside a bundle of bills can certainly allay a stressful reality when that account balance heads south. A good annual budget can also help allay anxiety throughout the year.

Portfolio Pulse - So, that stock broker isn't meeting your needs, and your portfolio is doing less than 2 percent on an annual basis. Brokers certainly don't like speculating. But they should be willing to meet your future needs. Do some holiday housekeeping and question your broker about their intentions for the new year.

Tax Preparation - With a bevy of new tax rules slated to take effect this April, perhaps planning ahead is a worthwhile strategy. Understanding the new tax laws and how they apply to different brackets is half the battle. Now pull out those receipts and start organizing before spring and the Internal Revenue Service are synonymous.

Coupon Clipping - Throwing away that colorful section in the newspaper isn't going to save you money. Start clipping coupons, and it may even become a hobby. There are far too many deals that can save a shopper more than a few pennies over time. Keep a coupon log, and watch the savings abound.

Long-Term Care - An aging population is becoming a concern for health care providers. But it's even more of a headache for seniors. From Medicare reform to long-term care policies, understanding the myriad options is no easy feat. Take a deep breath and make a list of future needs, whether it's for family members or yourself.

Credit Check - The bills are piling up and the credit card debt continues to grow. It's a symbiotic relationship. But that doesn't mean the cardholder needs to fuel the process. Consolidate your debt, and come up with a plan of attack. Set deadlines and keep that goal in sight.

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Drawing:

(color) no caption (Holiday bows made of dollars)

Warren Husky/Staff Artist