Every year, getting out of debt ranks in one of the Top 10 New Year’s resolutions.

In the uncertain, and difficult, economic situation we have experience in the last two years, it will certainly be there again for 2010.

Poor spending and saving habits can be tough to break, but their correction is vital if you are to eliminate things like credit card debt and home equity loans. Many people who have, as a result of unemployment caused by the financial crisis, had to rely heavily on these, but 2010 is the year to make the decision to stop, and to take massive action to turn things around.

Here are some quick things that you can do to get out of debt in the New Year:

1. Set your goal: Give it power by writing it down and displaying it somewhere obvious, like on your refrigerator door.

2. Be honest: Acknowledge your debt

3. Identify your dream: buy a home, have retirement funds, pay for your children’s education

4. Share: Empower your family to be part of the cost-saving process

5. Get help: Consulting a qualified financial adviser should not be considered an expense. It is an investment. There may be free debt counsellors who can give you some initial advice, but a professional is needed for long term planning.

6. If you are behind in payments call your creditors. Negotiate a payment plan. The worst thing you can do is pretend that the problem doesn’t exist. If your payments fall behind, your creditors will assume the worst, if they have not heard from you

7. Cut back spending to essentials, food, essential clothing, shelter and transport. Remove snack foods and drinks from your life for now, and don’t eat out. Terminate your cable TV contract if you can, you WILL survive without it.

8. If you purchase lottery tickets, stop. If you smoke, stop. If you buy cappuccino every day, stop.

9. If you are able to walk to work by leaving home 30 minutes earlier, do it (good for your pocket and waistline).

10. Have your wages paid directly into your bank account, and only take out what you need as you need it. Have your mortgage and utilities automatically deducted from your account.

11. Find ways to make more money, either with a second job, or taking an inventory of your possessions and selling some. If you haven’t worn that dress/suit for 2 years, you probably won’t again, sell it online or via a garage sale. Uncluttering your life is very therapeutic.

It is so easy to make getting out of debt your New Year’s resolution and breaking the task up into small, bite-sized pieces, will make it one you can keep.