Unfortunately for us, author and psychologist Richard Wiseman found that 88% of people who make New Year’s resolutions don’t keep them. Here are five ways that can help you become one of the 22% of people that do reach their money goals.

1) Break Down Your Goal

When you sit down to commit to your New Year’s resolution do you know where to begin? Or you are just swirling it around in your head, overwhelmed by the task? Avoid setting your goal at an unattainable level. We have a tendency to set savings goals that are too high to meet right away.

Instead, break the total goal amount down into reasonable chunks. For example, if you need to save $12,000 for a house down payment, set your savings goal for $1,000 per month instead.

Psychologically, $1,000 a month seems much more achievable and you are more apt to go about doing what you have to do to save that $1,000. In the end, it adds up to your overall goal of $12,000, but seems less daunting than the full amount.

2) Get a Savings Partner

Saving with a partner gives you a cheering squad and someone to make you accountable for reaching your savings goal. If you are married, your spouse can be your savings partner. You can also enlist a friend or family member.

Each of you can set your own savings goal or the mutual savings goal. Schedule check-in appointments to meet or talk on the phone to provide an update to each other. When you have to “answer” to someone, it helps to propel you toward keeping your goal as well.

3) Write Down Your Goal

Write it down. A Harvard study reveals that written goals are accomplished 80% more of the time than goals that are not in writing. Write down your goal and hang it in prominent location where you see it on a regular basis.

4) Play a Savings Game

Learn how to cut spending and reallocate the money to your savings without sacrificing. If you see a new pair of designer shoes you want, wait for the shoes to go on sale before you purchase them. When you buy the shoes, deposit the difference between the original price and the price you paid for the shoes.

If you approach all of your purchases in this manner, it can give you more motivation to save.  Another example would be to review your phone bill and cable bill. Determine if there are features you are not using or packages that cost less money and still fit your needs. Then change the package and deposit the monthly savings into your savings account. It’s like playing a game with yourself to see where and how much you can save.

5) Go One Step at a Time

Take it one-step at a time, rather than trying to implement it all at once or totally changing your lifestyle all at once. Ease into implementing the saving system with one item at a time.

When you take each of these five steps, one at a time, you can look back at the end of next year and realize you have accomplished your goal. Similar to tackling a big work or school project, plan ahead and break your goal down into manageable sections. Planning and implementing your money saving New Year’s resolution with these five steps makes it much more likely that you’ll achieve success.

Bonus – Here’s a sixth way, a New Year’s resolution secret :)

Is reducing or eliminating your debt one of your financial goals this year? If so, make sure you check out No Credit Needed a great personal finance blog dedicated to helping others get ouf of debt.

About No Credit Needed

NCN is 33 years old, he has three children, and he lives in Georgia. NCN started the blog in April of 2005 with the intention of blogging his way to debt elimination. He began talking about his progress with debt reduction and his method of eliminating it. Now, he is completely debt free and focuses his blog on helping others eliminate debt. He now tracks his progress for saving for retirement and his children’s education.

NCN’s Other Blogs:

No Credit Needed Network : A network of individuals tracking their progress for eliminating debt. (Check Out NCN’s awesome, free e-book about how he eliminated debt! The No Credit Needed E-Book)

No Calories Needed : a weight-loss blog that tracks NCN’s personal weight loss campaign.

99 Changes : A personal development blog to help others improve their personal lives, relationships, and professional careers.

Here are some other great links from personal finance writers around the Web:

• The Digerati Life reflects on the past year and shares her goals for 2009
• Gen X Finance explains why the recession will be good for us as a country
• Lazy Man and Money looks back at his 2008 goals.
• Brip Blap explains what to do when you like your job but hate your career.
• My Dollar Plan’s Tax Cut Review for 2008
• Million Dollar Journey’s best of 2008
• Frugal Dad asks if we would sell all material possessions for debt freedom?
• Sun’s Financial Diary ponders what it takes to become a millionaire
• Money Crashers challenges you to find the career you love in 2009
• Free Money Finance tackles budgeting for the new year
• Mighty Bargain Hunter reveals his frugality tips for the coming decade.
• Consumerism Commentary’s financial goals and resolutions for 2009.
• Five Cent Nickle discusses Obama’s financial recovery plans.
• Blueprint for Financial Prosperity explains how to write an accomplishment journal.
• The Simple Dollar reveals 7 financial mistakes he made in college.
• Get Rich Slowly outlines 9 methods for mastering your money in 2009.

Thanks to the hosts of the recent carnivals below for including our articles:

• Money Stories
• Personal Finance
• Financial Goals
• Stock Investing
• Wealth and Money

Will 2009 be the year that you get out of debt, change a career, get on a budget, or invest for the future? You can do it, and we’re here to help you achieve those goals!  Here’s to a great 2009!