Saving money and getting out of debt are consistently among the top resolutions people make each New Year, but how many of us actually achieve these goals? Savings expert and New York Times bestselling author Pamela Yellen offers some common sense tips on how to save in the new year.

1. Understand that real, permanent change is usually driven by your own desire, rather than outside pressure.

2. Enlist allies to help you stay on track. An ally ~ whether a professional for hire or a friend ~ can help you reinforce your commitment.

3. Set incentives and consequences. Consider using websites such as GoalPay.com that give incentives ~ and disincentives ~ for sticking to or breaking your commitments.

4. Skip the pity party when you fall short. Those who rebound the fastest set aside emotional thinking and formulate a plan to get back on track.

5. Don’t set yourself up for failure by insisting on an all-or-nothing change. Instead, keep your focus on where you are going and your long-term savings goals.

As a consultant to financial advisors, Pamela Yellen investigated more than 450 savings and retirement planning strategies seeking an alternative to the risk and volatility of stocks and other investments. Yellen’s book, BANK ON YOURSELF: The Life-Changing Secret to Growing and Protecting Your Financial Future, is a New York Times bestseller. Her new book, THE BANK ON YOURSELF REVOLUTION: Fire Your Banker, Bypass Wall Street and Take Control of Your Own Financial Future, is due out in February 2014.

For more information, got to bankonyourself.com.