New Year resolutions come a stroke a minute, but let us make this New Year all about changing the way we do things financially.

As I will turn 25 this year, I have decided to make this year all about getting a step up on my peers to prepare for a finically promising New Year and next quarter century.  Here are some things I am doing that could help you as well.

Maximize 401K

Contributing to my 401K fully is one of those things that I decided to do some years ago, but this year I will look to maximize my contributions. I read in a recent article, that our generation will need roughly 18 times our final salary to live without financial constraints. At 65, you will need at least 1.8Million making 100,000/year final salary.

Start a Roth IRA

One of the easiest tax friendly ways to save for the future is by starting a Roth IRA. Maxing out your Roth fund at $5000 a year for 5 years without any withdrawals will allow you to collect the interest tax free while your money continues to grow toward retirement. Contact T Rowe Price or Vanguard for great ways to invest and save, their counselors will give you the best option for you no matter your current income.

Enroll in no thinking savings

I am always thinking of creative ways to save without sinking and ways to save where I can still have fun and do the things I love. I love taking spontaneous vacations and frequently engage in weekend entertainment. So, I decided to enroll in my banks way to save program, where each time I swipe my debit card a $1 is taken from my checking account and placed in savings and at end of year the bank will give 5% as a benefit. Sounds crazy, but with an average monthly swipe of 100 times over 12 months I would have saved $1260 without thinking. Can we say trip to the Bahamas?

Create a Budget

The process of creating my personal budget is pivotal to my yearly success. As a young professional, knowing where all my money goes, like Oprah, allows me to identify where waste is occurring.  In 2010, the fast food joints were my achilles heel, so in 2011 I plan to correct that.  Visit mappingyourfuture.org to start your 2011 plan today!