Saturday night, most of us will gather together to enjoy the New Year’s Eve festivities, and count down the seconds until the start of 2012. We will also likely have the hopes that 2012 will be a better year than 2011.

The economy was still rather depressed in 2011, and one way we can improve it in 2012 is to resolve to be more financially responsible. If more of us would make sure to only buy the things we can afford, and save up for a rainy day, it would decrease a lot of the foreclosures and bankruptcies that take a toil not only on individuals, but also the economy as a whole.

And while we’re at it, let’s make sure that our government follows the same resolution. Spend the people’s money on things we need, things that improve our lives, and things that we can afford. No more, no less. It’s not right for our government to write blank checks and then expect the taxpayers to foot the bill.

Many of us will resolve to lose weight, or give up drinking or smoking. But let’s make those resolutions in a way that will help others, as well. If you’re going to lose weight, then be sure to participate in local 5-K runs or walkathon fundraisers that also raise money for worthy causes. If you give up smoking or alcohol, then use the money that you would have spent on those vices, and give that money to charity or someone in need.

New year’s resolutions are wonderful goals for us to pursue, but when we make sure that they help other people as well, then that’s when they can really count.

Happy New Year!