For many of our brothers and sisters, the magic of the holiday season begins to fade as soon they as realize how much they spent on the holidays and calculate how big their credit card bills are going to be. On the bright side, the New Year offers the perfect opportunity to set attainable financial goals. The credit experts at Money Management International, the organization that provides the Union Plus Credit Counseling program, offer the following examples of achievable financial New Year's resolutions:

1. I will make informed financial decisions, understanding the difference between wants and needs.
2. I will communicate with my family about money matters so we are all working toward the same goals.
3. I will be aware of the effects of advertising on the financial decisions I make, and resolve not to be influenced by them.
4. I will take care of my finances today by tracking expenses and creating a budget that is flexible and realistic.
5. I will take care of my finances tomorrow by saving for my future.
6. I will meet the credit obligations I have committed on time and as agreed.
7. I will continue my personal education about financial health, budgeting, credit, and personal debt.
8. I will plan for periodic expenses, including the next holiday season.
9. By good example, I will teach my children the importance of budgeting, saving, and the wise use
10. Finally, if I am over-obligated, I will take the necessary steps to seek assistance.

However, setting financial resolutions and keeping them are two different matters. In fact, many Americans are still paying off the ghosts of Christmas' past. To help keep your financial resolutions:

1. Make sure your goals are realistic and flexible. If you set your goals too high, frustration will keep you from keeping them.
2. Remind yourself of your goals on a regular basis. At the very least, you should write your goals down and post them where you will see them every day.
3. Surround yourself with photographs of what you are striving for. For example, if your goal is to save enough money to go to Hawaii, try clipping scenes out of magazines and tacking them to a bulletin board next to your desk.

Finally, once you've decided what you are going to accomplish, be confident. A little discipline can help you to enjoy a happy and prosperous New Year.