It's the new year and time to make resolutions that one hardly ever keeps.

It's the new year and time to make resolutions that one hardly ever keeps.

The one important 2009 resolution should be to consistently save more throughout the year - especially with the present hard economic times.

Research indicates that at the outset of the year most people believe they will keep their resolutions, yet only about 12 percent actually achieve their goals.

The best strategy for success for men was to use small, measurable goals rather than one large, vague goal.

Though the festive season is over retailers have not stopped trying to tempt consumers into spending money.

When you see the large and attractive sale signs, think about the need to save at the same time.

Make sure that you have budgeted well for whatever you are buying. You won't know what to buy and what not to buy, until you have a budget.

Buy no-name brands instead of brand names; the quality is often not very different, but the unbranded goods are often cheaper.

Before spending, think first about financial obligations such as school fees and uniforms.

You can also start saving now for this year's festive season, so that you don't have to buy on credit later.

It will work out cheaper and will empower you since you will be in a position to bargain.