Here are four helpful steps to help you achieve your financial goals in 2007.

Step 1: Change your attitude
A budget is not unlike a diet or a workout regimen: your attitude is key. If you dwell on how much you'll miss those expensive lunches with your co-workers, you'll probably fail. But if you keep your eyes on the prize, chances are you'll succeed. Many motivational speakers and experts attest to the power of positive thinking. They recommend "visualize yourself achieving the goal that you seek." That is, if you are saving for a house, "see yourself" in the house. See yourself in your den or great room, relaxing in front of a warm fire, watching your favorite program on your 42-inch plasma TV. Don't focus on the negative aspects of sticking to a budget, but rather the positive aspects of getting what you want in life. So before you create your budget, you should adjust your mental attitude - it just might improve your chances of succeeding.

Step 2: Separate the "must haves" from the "nice to haves"
The second step is to separate the "must haves" from the "nice to haves." For example, having enough money to pay your utilities is a "must have." Ordering your daily double caramel latte on your way to work is a "nice to have." By creating a list of committed expenses and focusing on those first, your monthly financial obligations will be covered each month, and you'll breathe easier. Then, any "leftover" money can be used to pay off debt faster, build your emergency savings nest egg, invest in a 401K, or treat yourself to an occasional "nice to have." Now, as you create your list, you may have to do some old-fashioned soul searching in order to distinguish the "must haves" from a "nice to haves." That is, a pedicure or the latest DVD release may initially be categorized as "must haves," however, let's be honest - they are "nice to haves." Start rewarding yourself with the "nice to haves" as a special treat for meeting your budget goals.

Step 3: Get out of debt
If you're serious about achieving your financial goals, you need to get out of debt. First, just say no to all those pre-approved credit card offers you get in the mail. Second, if you have more than one bank card, make a plan to pay each one off, starting with the one with the lowest balance. Third, start paying off your department store cards as fast as you can. Fourth, focus on your car loan and student loan (if applicable). Know that every time you pay off one of your credit cards or loans, you’re one step closer to meeting your goals. And every dollar of debt that you don’t have to pay is money in the bank. Literally.

Step 4: Perseverance is key
Just like starting a diet program or a workout regimen, sticking to your plan offers maximum results. Creating a budget lets you control your money instead of your money controlling you. Following a budget actually creates extra money for you to use on things that really matter to you instead of buying "stuff" that you may not even remember buying. Plus, a budget can help you get out of debt or keep you out of debt - both of which are positive choices in life. Finally, a budget may help you sleep better at night because you won't lie awake worrying about how you're going to make ends meet.