Did you know that your paychecks in 2011 were a bit heftier than in years past? If you didn’t, then you’re not alone. According to a January poll conducted by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), 66 percent of respondents did not realize that, thanks to a 2 percent Social Security tax cut, their paychecks were larger this past year.

The problem is, if consumers find it that easy to overlook more money in their paycheck, they are likely overlooking the impact their spending habits – even buying one cup of coffee a day – can have on their overall financial situation.

If you’re wondering how much money a two-percent tax cut really amounts to, consider this: The 2 percent Social Security payroll tax cut puts $1,000 back into the pockets of a family earning $50,000 annually – a significant amount of money that could mean the difference between financial stability and financial distress each month.

Those aware of the increase appeared to have allocated the money responsibly, with the largest number of respondents indicating they used it to pay off debt, while the second-largest number caught up on past-due bills. Smaller percentages of respondents either increased their retirement contributions or saved the money. Only 1 percent indicated that they spent the money on something for themselves.

It’s important to remember that the key to financial wellness is having a solid budget – you have to be aware of every penny you spend and every penny you earn.

The January poll questions and answers are as follows:

With the 2011 two percentage point payroll tax cut, last year I …

• … saved most of it (3 percent)
• … caught up on past-due bills (8 percent)
• … increased my retirement contributions (4 percent)
• … treated myself to something special (1 percent)
• … used it to pay off debt (18 percent)
• … didn't realize my paycheck was larger (66 percent)

The NFCC’s January Financial Literacy Opinion Index was conducted from Jan. 1 to Jan. 31, 2012 via the NFCC website (DebtAdvice.org), and was answered by 1,797 individuals.

Money Management International is a member of the NFCC. The NFCC is the nation’s largest and longest serving national nonprofit credit counseling organization. NFCC Members annually help over three million consumers through close to 800 community-based offices nationwide.

I was watching the Today show recently when a woman showed how you can organize your kitchen pantry using a low-cost over-the-door shoe holder—it was brilliant. So I thought it would be a good idea to take that concept into the home office.

A recent poll hosted on the NFCC website revealed that close to half of survey respondents were unaware of the Social Security tax break which cuts the workers’ share of Social Security payroll taxes by close to one-third during 2011.

I know a lot about money. In fact, I know so much about personal finance that I also know when I need help with it.

Last week, I was driving in a rural area and was only able to pick up one very staticy radio station. Thankfully, the station was airing an interesting show about credit cards. I was unable to find a transcript of the show, so bear with me as I try to remember what I thought was a very interesting little known fact.

Have you thought about your taxes yet? If you’re like many Americans, you will procrastinate as long as you can—especially if you suspect that you might owe the IRS. But calculating your taxes before the deadline doesn’t mean you have to file early. What it does mean is that you’ll have more time to prepare for the results.

Tax season is among us and for many it means a nice refund from the IRS. Each year people are perplexed on how to spend their refund – save or spend, invest or squander, new shoes or new furniture.

Valentine’s Day rolls around each year on February 14, regardless of the economic conditions. This obvious lack of sensitivity on the part of Cupid, the mythical god of love, leaves many wondering how to show their affection without breaking the bank.

If you find yourself in financial distress, perhaps the best gift this Valentine’s Day is not to spend money on a token of your affection, but to provide your loved one with something that’s not on sale at the stores: a sense of financial peace of mind. This type of financial peace is not based on the size of your bank account. Instead, it is understanding that regardless of the circumstances, the money is being handled responsibly. Putting the following actions in place which will provide both you and your loved one with a better sense of financial stability, even in the hard times.

• Get financially organized. This sends a calming signal to your loved one that you’re on top of things. And, since it’s tax season, this is the perfect time to shred what you don’t need and file what you do. 
• Be realistic about the financial situation you’re in. If you’ve lost your job, it’s irresponsible to continue spending as you did when employed. Learn to live within your means, and don’t finance your lifestyle through credit. 
• Track your spending. When every penny counts, it’s important to count every penny. Doing so will send the signal that you have control over your money, something that mindless spending will never accomplish.
• Create a personal cash-flow chart. Using a standard calendar, list all paydays and anticipated amount of the paycheck. Next, list which bills are to be paid out of each check. This eliminates the last-minute scrambling to meet payment due dates, and avoids costly overlimit and overdraft fees. 
• Find a way to save money. A financial safety net in the form of a savings account is a calming factor when unexpected expenses occur. It’s a comfort to know you’re prepared. Start by having 10 percent of each check deposited into a savings account, and vow to not touch it except for true emergencies. 
• Bank any bonuses or windfall money. You won’t miss what you never had. Use this money to start or bulk up your savings account. 
• Review the withholding allowances from your paycheck. In recent years, millions of people have received an income tax refund of over $2,000. Often, these are the very same people who struggle to make ends meet each month, and could have used an extra $200 in their paycheck. Go to IRS.gov and type in the words “withholding calculator’ into the search box. In a matter of minutes you’ll see the appropriate number of withholding allowances for your situation. Then, adjust your W4 accordingly. 
• If you get an income tax refund, use it wisely. Catch up on any past due bills, make needed repairs to the house or car, put 10 percent into your savings account, and then splurge on something special for your family that is under $100. 

Finally, vow to make the most of your money by following these 9 tips. 

1. Ditch your credit card if it has an annual fee attached, but first, make sure you are eligible for new credit. Issuers have tightened their lending standards, and you don’t want to be left without access to any credit.
2. Don’t use an ATM if it charges you a fee.
3. Bank where free checking is offered.
4. Put your money where it earns the most by finding the best rates available for savings and CDs. You can compare rates at CreditCards.com and Bankrate.com.
5. Buy generic groceries which are estimated to be 27 percent cheaper than their name-brand counterparts, and are often made by the same company.
6. Get back to the basics and start cutting coupons.
7. Utilize any savings plans at work. If your company offers a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), but you’ve never bothered to investigate it, now’s the time. Taking advantage of the savings allowed by earmarking expenses to be paid through an FSA can result in real savings.
8. Consider cutting back on contributions to your retirement plan at work. When you’re trying to find extra money, this is a much better option than dipping into your actual retirement account. Just remember to play catch-up when your finances turn the corner.
9. Make sure you’ve taken advantage of every tax credit and/or deduction available to you.

This Valentine's Day, remember that actions speak louder than words.  When your loved one sees you putting the above steps in place, he or she will know how much you care about them. This is definitely a gift you can afford to give.