MONEY: REKINDLE FIZZLING FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS

Save more, spend less and pay off debt are popular New Year’s resolutions — and perhaps the ones most likely to fall by the wayside a few weeks into the year when reality sets in and expenses derail plans.

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But an early-in-the-year setback, like paying your health insurance deductible or the credit card bills after a costly December, doesn’t have to knock you off-course.

After all, you made those resolutions, so you can change them. And making more specific resolutions that are easier to maintain rather than just giving up could put you in a better financial position next year. Here’s how to get back on track.

MAKE YOUR GOALS MORE SPECIFIC & REALISTIC

Broad resolutions like “I want to save more this year” can be a helpful starting point, but they make it hard to track your progress. Keeping a specific goal in mind — like a wedding, debt payment or buying a house — puts a dollar amount to your financial goals and gives you something concrete to work toward.

“My goals are more tangible this year,” says Yasmeen Alshabasy, a Los Angeles-based clinical study assistant. “They can be measured and quantified, instead of the symbolic plans I’ve made previously, like gaining more financial freedom.” She has an exact savings goal for the year and plans to use an Excel spreadsheet and tracking app to monitor her weekly budget.

Also, make sure goals are within reason and won’t cause added stress. It may be tempting to set an ambitious savings target but stay within a range that makes sense for your income and regular expenses.