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Did you know that nearly nine million people make a New Year Resolution every year and that more than half of them make exactly the same pledge every year? It just goes to show how many of us vow to take action on something and then fail. In fact, according to independent research from BRMB, almost a third lose their resolve within a week! It's clear that the most important thing about making a New Year Resolution is to stick to it not least because some of the most popular pledges can save you money: Tackle your finances More than a third (3.5 million) of Britons aim to make financial resolutions for 2005 with most wanting to get out of the red following the Christmas spending spree. A quarter also want to save and invest more money while one in ten favour sorting out a pension. Switch debts to interest-free credit cards so that more of your money goes towards paying off what you owe, invest your money in an ISA so your savings don't get taxed and check out your employer's pension scheme particularly if they contribute to your fund and/or if you're a higher rate tax-payer. Give up smoking According to Yorkshire Bank, with cigarettes costing in the region of £4.65 per packet, a 20-a-day smoker who gives up could save around £141 a month. Invest that in a shares ISA and, and assuming average annual returns, you could net yourself around £23,000 after just ten years. Don't forget that life and health insurance premiums are lower for non-smokers too - sometimes as much as half the price that smokers have to pay. Avoid gym membership If giving up smoking is a classic New Year Resolution then so is resolving to lose weight and going to the gym to get fit. Unfortunately, gym membership can seriously damage your wealth not least because the enthusiasm has often waned by the time you start shopping for Easter eggs and then you find you can't get out of the membership contract. Resolve to take a brisk walk around the block and run up the stairs instead. It's free! And, note too that earlier this week scientists revealed that a good walk before eating is an even better way for you to lose weight than trying to walk off a heavy meal afterwards. So, if you're inclined to make New Year Resolutions then the first of them must surely be to resolve to follow them through! Resolve to: