Many of us want to see something change in our lives. Losing weight, upping our fitness levels and clearing debt are some of the most popular themes when it comes to new year resolutions.

However, over 80 per cent of us fail to achieve our goals, many of us don’t make it past the January 12!

The main reasons for failing to see things through is that our changes are either too radical or too numerous, making it complicated and easy to ‘fall off the wagon.’

Before we do anything we need to ask the following:

1. Why do we want to make the change?

2. Is our goal measurable?

3. What is our plan?

4. Who can support us along the way?

5. How will we celebrate success?

When answering the above be honest. Write the answers down and look at them when things aren’t going so well.

The great thing about goals which help us to save more, spend less or repay debt is that they are measurable, so we can spot what works and what doesn’t.

Money management made easier

1. List all income and expenditure and create a budget.

2. Identify things that that spark a spend, called a ‘spending trigger’.

3. Use a shopping list and stick to it.

4. Apply the 24-hour rule. See it today, defer buying until tomorrow.

5. Treat the amount saved/repaid as a bill which must be met.

6. Don’t be too radical, a little and often soon builds up.

7. Find somebody who will give their support.

8. Avoid negative people.

9. Write a blog.

10. Be prepared to reset the calendar, resolutions don’t have to start at new year.