How can you set good, attainable goals this year for your finances? Here are four tips from life coach Lisa Mininni on setting New Year’s Resolutions or goals:

1. Make your goals specific.

Do not make vague resolutions like, “I want to lose more weight,” or, “I will save more money.” Make the goal measureable, “I will lose 20 pounds by March,” or, “I will save 1,000 dollars by April.”

2. Create a plan of action steps with specific time targets.

Tell yourself how you will obtain your goals and by when. “I will lose 20 pounds by March by exercising three times per week,” or, “I will save 1,000 dollars by April by tracking and cutting out unnecessary expenses.”

3. Keep your plans realistic.

Make your goal and plan something you realistically follow through with. If you tell yourself you will lose 50 pounds by February by working out seven times per week and not eating past noon you will never follow through.

4. Adjust your plans when necessary but learn to incorporate activities because you are committed.

If your goal is to save 1,ooo dollars by April and you only have 500 saved come March, do not scrap the whole goal.  Instead, move the deadline back and keep using the steps that you have implemented, or if necessary, adjust the steps.

By following these tips you can help insure your financial goals for 2009 will be achieved.