4. Prioritize your goals

Without prioritizing your financial goals it is impossible for you to achieve those goals. Once you decide your financial goals, it is advisable to prioritize them in order of importance, such as children's education and followed by buying a new car.

One should then look at how much is required to achieve these goals and plan an investment strategy accordingly. This should be a realistic investment plan, with money being set aside each month for saving against the goals.

5. Earn rewards

Improving your finances doesn’t just have to mean making cutbacks. So the final New Year’s resolution to make is all to do with being rewarded for your spending.

Every time you shop online, make sure you use a cash back website and whether you’re shopping online or on the high street, it’s also a good idea to use a cash back credit card such as the American Express Platinum Everyday Cash back Card. This card offers 5 percent cash back in the first three months and up to 1.25percent thereafter. Just make sure you can afford to pay off the bill in full each month to avoid getting hit with a heavy interest rate.