Each year we make New Year’s Resolutions. We decided to work harder, lose weight, spend more time with our family, etc. Sometimes we accomplish these resolutions, but most of the time we forget about them by February.

Make this year different. Take control of your finances, and make some Financial New Year’s Resolutions that you will accomplish.

Below is an excerpt from an article from Smart Money to give you some ideas. Feel free to leave comments at the end.

What are your financial resolutions?

Financial Resolutions for the New Year
Written by Kelli B. Grant, Smart Money

…Now, as 2008 finally comes to a close, consumers have an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and pursue new resolutions. One goal worth focusing on in 2009: whipping your finances into shape. While it may not reduce your dress size, it can certainly make you feel safer in today’s uncertain economy.

Here are seven simple promises to make that will help you put your best financial foot forward in 2009:

The worst thing you can do during a down economy? Panic and pull all of your money out of your investments. Resolve to protect your finances as the market storm rages on. Take this time to build up your emergency fund, and set reminders to regularly review your portfolio’s asset allocation.

Look hard enough and you can find a silver lining to just about every aspect of the struggling economy, from falling home prices (lower property taxes) to bankrupt retailers (great close-out sales).

As lenders tighten their criteria, this three-digit number has taken on a profound importance. In today’s market, you’ll need at least a 700 on the 300- to 850-point FICO scale to apply for a credit card or secure a favorable mortgage rate.

Consumers currently save only about a penny of every dollar they make, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. But just because you aren’t saving much doesn’t mean that cash can’t make an impact on your finances.

This year, plenty of consumers learned the hard way that regularly checking up on their credit card and bank account balances should be high on their list of things to do. One small misstep could have dire consequences for your credit score.

Sure you’ve tried to stick to a budget in the past, but nowadays its actually an easy resolution to keep thanks to a host of new sites that automatically track and sort every transaction and services that alert you when bills are due or balances are close to the limit.

Once you’ve set a budget, pinch every penny so that you can save even more and possibly afford an occasional splurge. After all, there’s no need to totally deprive yourself…

Visit SmartMoney to read the full article.