Five Debt Management Resolutions for the New Year

Add debt management to this year's list of New Year's resolutions. It's easy to do-just slip it in there between "lose weight" and "ask for raise." The hard part will be sticking to your debt management resolutions-such as debt consolidation-365 days a year.

It's too bad that more emphasis isn't put on keeping New Year's resolutions. We half-heartedly make them on December 31st, then ignore or forget them by January 2nd.

Unfortunately, most resolutions could help you improve your life if you stick with them. Debt management is a prime example. If adhered to year-round, it could drastically improve your finances. If that sounds appealing, resolve to do the following:

Use debt consolidation for credit cards

Credit cards can be a blessing and a curse. Because so many cards have rewards programs, they can be an easy way for you to earn points for a plane ticket, or to receive cash back. However, this scenario only works if you pay your balance at the end of the month. If you can't make the complete payment, consider using a debt consolidation loan to pay off your plastic.

Spend within your means

Sticking to a budget is something that will challenge you every day. Keeping track of your expenditures takes diligence and effort. Your first step will be to plan out a complete budget, analyzing last year's expenses. From there, you'll need to plot out where to spend and where to save, doing your best to reduce monthly expenditures on items like clothes or entertainment in the event that you're short on cash.

Pay yourself first

This simple maxim of financial planners could be the key to your retirement success. Instead of waiting until the end of the month to deduct retirement savings from your paycheck, deposit the money in the investment of your choice as soon as you receive it. By allocating the cash to your savings immediately, you don't run the risk of spending all your income by the end of the month, leaving nothing for your retirement savings.

Create an emergency fund

A general rule of thumb is to set aside three to six months worth of income for a rainy day fund. This money should be used for large housing or car repairs, not for items like entertainment. This fund will allow you to stick to your monthly budget without having to worry about unexpected expenses.

Check your insurance coverage

Most people procrastinate investigating whether they have sufficient insurance. Since worst-case scenarios can't be planned, it can be devastating financially if you haven't double-checked your coverage with an insurance agent. Take the time to ensure that your family is protected-today.

As the confetti flies, and the New Year's horn blows, it's time to celebrate. The New Year holds the promise of prosperity and good times. You can fulfill that promise by making-and keeping-a list of debt management resolutions.