Popular New Year's Resolutions

It's hard to believe it's that time of year again. It is time to say goodbye to the old and hello to the new - a brand new year is almost here! Whether you plan to ring in the New Year with a great big bash or small, intimate get-together with a few of your favorite friends, it's time to reflect and remember the year's past and look forward to new possibilities. Many people will kick off the New Year with a new resolution.

Besides ringing in the New Year with a glass or two of champagne and kissing that special person at the stroke of midnight, it is estimated that 45 percent of Americans make New Year's resolutions (and 38 percent never do.) And interestingly, 39 percent of people in their 20s achieve their resolution goals while only 14 percent of folks over 50 achieve theirs.

Popular New Year's Resolutions

According to the University of Scranton and USA.gov, popular resolutions for the New Year include:

• Lose Weight

• Quit Smoking

• Fall in Love

• Get Fit and Healthy

• Fall in Love

• Find a New/Better Job

• Get a Better Education

• Manage Stress

• Manage Debt

• Save Money

• Drink Less Alcohol

• Volunteer / Help Others

• Get Organized

• Take a Trip

Top Tips to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

Whether you plan to finally kick the habit, embrace a healthier lifestyle or pay down that debt, New Year's resolutions are simple to make but often difficult to keep. While many have the best of intentions, it's time to plan your winning strategy now.

• In order to keep those resolutions, make them attainable and specific. Many are too general. How many pounds do you want to lose? One or 50?

• Give yourself a specific time-frame. How many pounds do you want to lose in a week or a month?

• Be flexible.

• Keep a record of your journey.

• If someone you know has the same goal, why not tackle it together? The buddy system helps keep you motivated.

• Reward yourself from time-to-time. You deserve it!