9 ways to keep your New Year's resolutions

Editor's note: This is a transcript of the audio file.

Whether you're trying to lose weight, quit smoking or save some cash, there are some universal tips that will help you keep your New Year's resolution. I'm Lucas Wysocki with your Bankrate.com Personal Finance Minute.

It's the time of year when people make promises to themselves in an effort to enrich their lives and self-improve during the New Year.

No matter what your resolution is, you shouldn't have to talk yourself into it. Make sure it is something you really want; otherwise it'll be that much harder to stick to. Be specific in your goals, a resolution to save more is much harder to stick to than a resolution to set aside one-hundred dollars each paycheck.

Change is never easy, so prepare yourself mentally for a shift in habits. The hour a day you'll spend in the gym is going to come from somewhere, so your routine is going to change. Finally, only reveal your resolution to the people who are most likely to support you.

Naysayers will only put the idea of quitting in your head and you'll miss out on achieving your goals for the New Year. For more holiday money saving tips, go to bankrate.com. I'm Lucas Wysocki.