You don’t need to wait until January to take a fresh look at your finances. Get a jump on the new year with these five resolutions — they can really pay off over the next 12 months.

1. Set/update your budget
Setting a budget is the first step in a military family’s financial planning. And since your financial situation changes over time, periodically updating your budget will help you stay current and focused.

See Budget Basics: Where Is My Money Going? to learn how to make/update a budget. It includes a Spending Plan Worksheet to track income and expenses.

2. Plan how to manage debt
Paying down your debt will benefit you financially and reduce stress in your life. And considering that the holiday shopping season is here, it’s important to plan how to tackle debt in the new year.

Take a look at Managing Debt for a step-by-step method to reduce the amount you owe. It includes links to the Snowball Debt Elimination Calculator and the Avalanche Debt Elimination Calculator, which show you two different methods to pay off creditors.

3. Explore ways to save money
Don’t miss out on the financial perks available to military families. For example, many businesses offer military discounts so always be sure to ask. Other bargains include:

• Savings of 25% or more on groceries, merchandise and services at your local commissary and exchange
• Free air transport on Space-A Travel
• Low-cost accommodations for travel, temporary duty and PCS moves by Department of Defense Lodging
• Discounted recreational activities, travel and lodging from Information, Tickets and Travel

Find more helpful money tips in 17 Smart Ways to Reduce Spending and in a video by MilSpouse Jason, What I Wish I’d Known: Ways to Save.

4. Save for retirement
Retirement may feel far away, but the more you can save now, the better off you’ll be when that time finally arrives. Retirement savings plans offer investments for growth and may qualify for matching contributions, so your nest egg can grow steadily over time.

Learn the ins and outs of retirement saving with Thrift Saving Plans for service members and Plan for Retirement as a Military Spouse.

5. Sign up for free financial counseling
Want to save for a new car? Reduce spending? Send the kids to college? The DoD offers free financial counseling to help you reach your goals. These counselors understand the issues military families face, so you can be sure you’re getting advice you can take to the bank.

Check out your Personal Financial Management Counseling Options on Military OneSource.

Use these resolutions to kick-start a new and better chapter in your finances. And remember, whatever military milestones you reach in the coming year, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

MilSpouse Money Mission® is a Department of Defense resource that offers FREE personal financial education specifically geared toward military spouses. There is a Money Ready guide for various stages of financial life, a MilLife Milestones section to help you through the big moments in your military journey, a blog, spouse videos, quizzes, calculators and more!