Six financial resolutions you can actually keep

The new year represents the opportunity to set goals that can enhance future health and happiness.

Losing weight, finding a romantic partner, and getting organized are all respectable goals, but it's also essential to create realistic resolutions that can set you on the right track for a better financial future.

According to a Google Consumer survey commissioned by the credit-information management services company TransUnion, almost a quarter of Americans polled in August said they had already given up on their financial resolutions.

For that reason, it's important to create simple and measurable resolutions that are capable of being kept.

Setting the following goals can help you succeed in saving money and improving your finances in 2015:

Evaluate expenditures. Curtailing expenses is an ongoing battle for many American consumers. According to Forbes, this is the first step - it's impossible to spend less money without understanding exactly where it has been going.

Be sure to include even minor purchases, such as beauty treatments or your morning coffee. They can add up over time, and many can be eliminated by performing the services yourself.

Save more for retirement. Raise contributions to your 401(k) plan. This is especially important if your employer matches the amount you contribute.

Working with a financial planner is another effective way to save for your retirement, so that you can maximize your portfolio's growth.

Increase your income. Few people take the initiative required to do this. Though there are factors you might not be able to control about your pay rate, if you are currently employed in a career you find satisfying, take advantage of the new fiscal year and ask for a raise or a promotion.

Or, if you are considering a new job or career, go back to school to earn the credentials you need to go after a position with a higher salary. Doing so might require an initial investment, but it can lead to increased earnings (and potentially higher job satisfaction) over time.

Manage joint finances better. Couples frequently consist of one partner who is more involved with the financial planning than the other. But when the other partner is left in the dark concerning the figures, it can lead to serious financial problems.

Those with joint accounts should set aside a time each month to go over the last month's expenses and income. Each partner should have input into how these accounts are managed, in order for shared finances to stay balanced.

Establish an emergency fund. The average family should have approximately three to six months' salary set aside in an account designated specifically for emergencies.

This fund should be able to cover all expenses, including mortgage and car payments, utility costs, and the necessities for daily living, in the event that a family member loses his job or falls ill.

Although this amount might be daunting, it can be achieved by making an effort to contribute a small sum to the account each month. Those who are not used to saving can set up automatic transfers from their accounts in an amount that will hardly be noticed.

Pay off debts. The first thing you should do to pay off debt is obtain a copy of your credit report, so that you can clearly see all outstanding balances.

With this report in hand, begin to work through each line of credit to determine which one can be paid off first.

As a general rule, you should always aim to first pay off credit lines with the highest interest rates. Then you can begin to pay off any additional debt that is left over. Be cautious about opening any new credit lines that could affect your ability to pay current amounts owed.

By focusing on redirecting your savings toward retirement, scheduling sessions to communicate regarding joint finances, and finding ways to increase your income, you can start the new year with a refreshed outlook that will positively affect your future financial security.