(EN)—For many people, ringing in the New Year allows the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. And while the majority of Canadians will be resolving to lose weight, get more sleep or eat healthier, many personal finance experts are encouraging Canadians to make 2012 the year they get financially fit.

“With all the market ups and downs of 2011, many people are trying to be more proactive about their personal finances,” says John Finnie, director of investment and insurance services for Meridian, Ontario's largest credit union. “By getting organized early in the New Year, you can certainly set yourself up for financial success all year long.”

He offers the top financial resolutions for 2012.

Resolve to get a personalized financial plan—Working with a trusted financial advisor to create a personalized financial plan is like driving with a GPS system—you'll reach your end goal faster and with less stress. Make sure to meet with your financial advisor at least once a year to re-evaluate your plan and make any adjustments necessary to keep you on track to reaching your financial goals.

Resolve to tackle your debt—At this time many Canadians may be feeling the post-holiday blues when they open up their credit card statements this month. Be strategic in tackling your debt by paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first, while paying the minimum on the rest of your debts. Once that first debt is paid off, concentrate your efforts and funds in paying the next debt with the highest interest rate.

Resolve to invest automatically—Saving for the future today isn't as difficult as you may think, especially if you put your savings on auto pilot. Many financial institutions provide pre-authorized contribution (PAC) plans, which automatically withdrawals funds from your chequing account into your savings investments in regular intervals. PACs are a great tool for contributing to RSPs or TFSAs and if you coincide the withdrawals to align with your payday then the money won't even be missed.

More tips on how to make 2012 a financial successful year can be found online at www.meridiancu.ca.