Any New Year is an ideal time for recommitting ourselves to things that are important to us. What could be more important than being financially secure? And what could be better than starting afresh in a New Year? New Year periods can be used to set your financial goals, not just for that year but further in the future.

Our Advisors suggest the following resolutions and believe that if you can implement these, then you are on track for making very worthwhile New Year resolution for the future.

1. If you don't have a written budget, do one now. If you do have a budget, resolve to stick to it.

2. Resolve to save at least between 15 and 20% of your take home salary. Don't set money aside only when there's some left over; pay yourself first. There's a good reason why you've heard this advice over and over. It works. Set aside 15 to 20% of every monthly payday into a regular savings plan or personal pension plan.

3. Resolve to pay off those credit cards. Credit card debt is the number one reason that most people can't get ahead. You may be shocked to learn that paying the minimum balance due on a $1000 balance with a 16% to 18% interest rate may take 20 to 30 years to pay off. Think twice before whipping out the plastic.

4. Resolve to write or update your will. Wills are not just for the rich. Regardless of how much or how little money you have, a will ensures that whatever personal belongings and assets you do have will go to family or beneficiaries you designate. If you have children, a will allows you to appoint a guardian for them in the event of your death. Please see our Financial Tips on Writing a Will by clicking Here.

5. Resolve to write down your financial goals. You wouldn't start out on a long trip without a road map, would you? Well, the road to financial freedom can be short and sweet (for those who plan and who follow a road map), or it can be a long, meandering path that leads to a dead-end (for those who fail to make a plan for reaching their destination).

6. Resolve to take advantage of your employer's retirement plan, whether it's non-contributory, contributory or any other type of plan – make the most of the ability of the company to contribute.

7. Resolve to educate yourself about basic financial planning issues. Financial planning is not voodoo. It's not rocket science. And it doesn't have to be boring. Our Advisors are highly experienced in ensuring that you not only understand all about financial planning, but actually become interested in what you want to achieve financially.

8. Resolve to get started NOW on the road to financial security. This year, resolve to begin. Resolve to be bold when it comes to taking control of your financial future.