One of the keys to choosing your New Year's resolutions is selecting a goal that truly matters. Ideally, you can find something you want more than anything. This will help keep you dedicated.

The whole idea of making a New Year's resolution can seem over-simplified. You'll hear people say, "My New Year's resolution is to get in shape" or "I want to work less."

What do statements like, "I want to spend more time with my family this coming year" really mean? Here's how to be more specific:

• For the resolution to get into shape, why not state it in more detail? Consider committing to specifics, such as, "I want to lose 2 inches from my waist and 3 inches from my hips."
• Another example of being more exacting might be "I want to increase visual muscle definition in my abdominals and my upper arms."

How will you measure your results?

• For example, spending more time with your family may manifest as, "I plan to work 4 hours less per week in the coming year," or "I won't work on Saturdays, starting January 1st."

Consider cutting your overall goal into smaller, separate goals. Select the first mini-goal to accomplish in the process and designate it as your New Year's resolution for the first 3 months.

• Consider this example: you want to lose 30 pounds. You've struggled to drop weight in the past. But you want to get serious now.
• Here's one way to cut this into mini-goals: lose 10 pounds in the first 3 months of the year, lose another 10 pounds in the second quarter of the year and drop the final 10 pounds in the third quarter of the year. The fourth quarter of the year, you plan to focus on maintaining your weight loss.

It might not be possible for you to accomplish everything you want in just one year. But you probably can be well on your way to your goal by the end of the year if your New Year's resolution is within reasonable standards.

One of the keys to choosing your New Year's resolutions is selecting a goal that truly matters. Ideally, you can find something you want more than anything. This will help keep you dedicated.

The whole idea of making a New Year's resolution can seem over-simplified. You'll hear people say, "My New Year's resolution is to get in shape" or "I want to work less."

What do statements like, "I want to spend more time with my family this coming year" really mean? Here's how to be more specific:

• For the resolution to get into shape, why not state it in more detail? Consider committing to specifics, such as, "I want to lose 2 inches from my waist and 3 inches from my hips."
• Another example of being more exacting might be "I want to increase visual muscle definition in my abdominals and my upper arms."

How will you measure your results?

• For example, spending more time with your family may manifest as, "I plan to work 4 hours less per week in the coming year," or "I won't work on Saturdays, starting January 1st."

Consider cutting your overall goal into smaller, separate goals. Select the first mini-goal to accomplish in the process and designate it as your New Year's resolution for the first 3 months.

• Consider this example: you want to lose 30 pounds. You've struggled to drop weight in the past. But you want to get serious now.
• Here's one way to cut this into mini-goals: lose 10 pounds in the first 3 months of the year, lose another 10 pounds in the second quarter of the year and drop the final 10 pounds in the third quarter of the year. The fourth quarter of the year, you plan to focus on maintaining your weight loss.

It might not be possible for you to accomplish everything you want in just one year. But you probably can be well on your way to your goal by the end of the year if your New Year's resolution is within reasonable standards.

The best way to keep debt from becoming a problem is to avoid the problem altogether from this point forward. Rather than splurging on a fancy piece of electronic hardware, just wait and save up for it.

• By staying within budget and paying off your bills every month, you don't need to worry about debt piling up on top of you.
• You can still get out of debt and feel the sweet relief of being debt free by changing your mindset from "having it now" to one of enjoying it even more when you have the money.

Financial advisor Suze Orman often advises people in debt to take care of the higher interest debts first. In general, this is a good way to go, however, if you have a credit card with a balance of only a couple hundred dollars, it would also be beneficial to knock that one off right out of the gate.

• You can eliminate a whole payment, save on interest charges, and put that money towards another bill.

In the long run, paying off the higher interest cards first will save you the most money. It's usually the interest that keeps knocking you back. By taking out the higher interest cards, you'll feel a greater sense of progress when paying your bills every month.

One of the more overwhelming aspects of being in credit card debt is constantly being reminded of it with so many bills from different cards. One way to fight back is to consolidate your debt. You can do this by either taking out a loan from a bank or transferring the balance to another card.

• If you recently got a new credit card, you can transfer a portion of the balance to that. This will save you a bit of interest, since most cards will put that balance under the introductory rate.
• If you take out a loan, you can pay off several of the cards and reduce the amount of mail you receive. It's less daunting psychologically to receive one big bill as opposed to a bunch of tiny ones.

One of the best ways to keep yourself in debt is to keep using your credit cards. They're convenient and it's easy to justify their occasional use by saying that it's only a soda or a tank of gas.

• Those tiny charges add up quick! A dollar here, a few more there, and you'll negate the payments that you're making in a very short amount of time.
• Paying with cash will help you develop new spending habits. By the time you get your debts paid down, you'll have disciplined yourself to the point where you no longer put yourself in that situation.

The first crucial step in creating a household budget that
works is to list all of your income and keep track of every dime you spend for a
month. Before you can know where you're going, you have to know your starting
point.

• You'll be surprised to learn where your money goes each month. This awareness alone may change your spending habits for the better.

In college, using credit cards can seem like no big deal. Credit card issuers often give special deals and incentives to lure college students into applying for credit they don't need. With large spending limits and small incomes, credit cards tempted you to live a lifestyle you can't afford.

• Credit, used properly, can provide convenience and peace of mind in knowing that you're covered in the case of an emergency. But the temptation is great to live outside of your means and worry about paying for those purchases later. The fewer credit cards you sign up for, the less you'll be tempted to spend away your future financial health.

One of the simplest and most productive habits you can incorporate into your personal financial success plan is to maintain a balanced checkbook. Keep track of everything that goes in and out of your account by writing it in your check register or in a spreadsheet. At the end of the month, compare your checkbook to your bank statement.

• When you're keeping track of what you spend, you may feel less tempted to waste money on impulse purchases. You'll always know when the money is almost out. This can save you a lot of money on overdraft fees and a lot of headaches.

There's no secret to a successful budget. It's as simple as keeping track of your income and expenses, increasing your income or lowering your expenses until you spend less than you earn, while also saving for a rainy day.

• Once you have a good grasp on what you're spending and where, find places to cut back and put the money you save into a savings account for a rainy day. Clip coupons and look for grocery sales. Turn off the lights when you leave the room. Turn the air conditioner off when you leave the house. And cook ahead of time to save on the expense of eating out.

The first step is to go over your bills and bank statements carefully. If you see something you don’t recognize, mark it and investigate it.

• This is especially true for any online purchases. There should be a phone number you can call. Call them to get the details of the charges.
• It’s worthwhile to pay special attention to your phone bill. They always seem to be adding new fees. Look at your bank fees, too. They are another group that likes to find new ways to nickel and dime you to death.

You probably already know where your spending weaknesses lie. If you didn’t before, you should recognize them now.

• Look over your spending and search for areas where you’re being wasteful. Are you spending $100 a month on your morning coffee? Are you going out to eat five nights a week? Are you buying too many magazines at the checkout? Too many beauty treatments each month? Too many beers with the guys? Admit the truth.

Why do you think you’ve been spending money unnecessarily? Are you bored? Are you sad? Do you simply want more than your income can support?

• One big challenge in life is dealing appropriately with feelings of anxiety, boredom, and sadness. Some people overeat. Some overspend. Others find other outlets.
• What are some alternatives that don’t have negative consequences? Wouldn’t it be great to be ‘addicted’ to exercising instead of spending? Think of some other habits you can develop that you might enjoy doing. Going for a walk might make you feel better when you’re stressed. Walking is free and good for you, too.

• Go cold turkey. Simply decide to eliminate all the unnecessary expenses from your life, starting right now. This is tough but doable. You’ll have to be strong.
• Eliminate a few expenses. Maybe you’ll skip the weekly massages and buying lunch every day. You’ll keep some of your optional expenses but eliminate others.
• Cut back on everything, but don’t eliminate it. Maybe you’ll decide to cut all your discretionary spending in half. This way, you still get to do everything, only not as much.

If you’re going to take away your spending habit, raise your odds of success by replacing it with something else you enjoy.

• Evaluate your spending and general sense of well being every month. How are you doing? If you’re having spending withdrawals, you might need a different substitute. However, like being on a diet, it’s never totally without its challenges.

With everything going on in the world, many people live in fear of economic collapse, natural disasters, crime, paying their bills, caring for their children and their parents, and numerous other things. This is a function of real events and the overly sensationalistic coverage by the media.

What's insidious is the effect it has on many people. People have become more isolated and less connected with society and their community. Many don't even know their neighbors. By giving your time, you open yourself up to others and your community.

Mahatma Gandhi said, "To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others."

Reaching your full potential is much more likely when you give. No one can fully realize what they're capable of without being passionate about their day-to-day activities.

A person that can't move beyond the more superficial aspects of life can never do anything spectacular, because he will never be exposed to anything that will generate that kind of prerequisite passion.

It's in your nature to give, even if you've forgotten. Witness most children: sure, some of them are all "mine, mine, and mine", but most kids are really quite giving and share readily. They want to take their friends everywhere with them. They want to feed the baby ducks. They want to take care of their dolls.

However, somewhere along the way, have you developed the belief that you must keep what you've gotten for yourself? If so, you're punishing yourself. You're giving in to a scarcity mindset which, in itself, will limit your personal success.

So make a plan to give what you have. You may have time, money, or both to share with those less fortunate, but give something and witness the impact it has on your life. You'll be pleasantly surprised in the power of giving and the benefits it brings into your life.

What you consider to be a need will change when financial resources are scarcer. Before spending any money, ask yourself if the item or service is a true need or a want.

Saving is often a challenge during good times. It’s even more challenging when money is limited. It’s still important to save a portion of any income.

Just about anyone can create a budget, but it’s sticking with the budget that’s hard. It takes practice and discipline. It’s no fun to barely scrape by each month, but a budget makes it possible. It also highlights the little ways to get ahead each month.

It costs money to use an automobile. Combine shopping trips. Create a carpool to minimize driving to work. If possible, use a bike or walk.

A part-time job can be a big help. There are many things you can do on your own instead of seeking additional employment. You can rent out your car, rent a room in your home, buy and sell items on Craig’s List, or any number of other activities.

A bag of rice costs less than a dollar. Chicken leg quarters are less than $0.70/lb. Choose the least expensive type of fruit. Food is a considerable expense for most families. It’s also an expense that’s easy to minimize.

• Hit the local food bank. Most cities, towns, and counties have one or more food banks. You typically can’t get enough to satisfy all of your food needs, but you can take care of 50%.

Use clothing stores are everywhere. For example, Goodwill sells most of its clothes for slightly over $4. The first Saturday of each month is half-price.

Medicaid, welfare, food stamps, heating subsidies, and the Affordable Care Act are just a few programs that are available in most areas. If you’re used to living a middle-class lifestyle, you might not have the slightest idea of how to take advantage of these programs. Become familiar with what all is available in your area.

• Most areas have employment assistance or job training programs to help you find work.
• You can also receive a big tax break if your income falls below certain levels.

Often, pharmacies or bigger stores, like Walmart, have an inexpensive clinic. You might be able to find a free clinic if you do some research.

The citizens of the United States enjoy some of the most spacious living quarters in the world. In many countries, it’s not uncommon for ten or more people to share a small apartment. You can probably find a less expensive place to live that will work.

When you keep all the things you own in order, everyday living is easier and less stressful. There’s a place for everything and everything is in its place. This leaves room in your life for abundance.

If you don’t use it anymore, get rid of it. Clear out clothing, appliances, gadgets, and anything else you no longer need. Things that are old, broken, or unable to be cleaned up properly are just taking up space you could use for something that has more value to you.

Whether you pass along magazines you’ve already looked at or clothing that no longer fits, spread some of the abundance you have already. When you give to others, your heart opens up and good things can more easily make their way into your life.

Provide each of your cherished items with a “home” within your home. When you take care of what you have, you’re acknowledging and showing respect for the abundance that’s already in your life.

Take advantage of the items you’ve collected over the years. You obviously see them as having value, so why not put them to good use? You’ll feel more positive about life and will get in touch with the abundance you already have when you make use of your possessions the way they were meant to be used.

Make a vow to avoid compulsively buying the next new gadget. If you always want the latest item on the market, look inside yourself and see what it’s all about. Also, remind yourself of all the “stuff” you’ve accumulated that you don’t use. After all, they were at one time the next new thing.

• Take some time to figure out how you feel whenever you want to buy another new item. Recognize that you’ll hamper your efforts to invite abundance into your life if you keep spending money frivolously on random stuff.

Learn to distinguish between “wants” and “needs.” If you do, you’ll find it actually takes very little to live a good life with purpose and abundance. As you learn to determine when you actually need something, you’ll experience more confidence in your own abilities to usher in abundance.