RUN A MARATHON,

climb Mt. Everest, quit smoking. As you get ready to ring in the New Year, consider making some resolutions that you'll actually keep.

One goal that's often overlooked is to whip your finances into shape. In fact, just 17% of Americans are resolving to improve their finances in the coming year, according to a survey by Country Insurance and Financial Services. (In comparison, 24% said they planned to lose weight, while 23% resolved to spend more time with family and friends.)

Yet, taking steps toward getting your financial house in order can be much easier to accomplish than, say, losing 20 pounds. Here are five simple promises to make that will put your best financial foot forward in 2008:

1) Ditch Your Debit Card

It seems counterintuitive, but when you're paying with plastic, credit cards are the way to go. At least that's if you have the willpower to charge only what you can afford to pay off each month. Credit cards offer more consumer protections from extended warranties on purchases to zero liability on unauthorized charges than debit cards. If you can't be trusted to bring the balance back to zero on a monthly basis, at least pick up a pen to sign for your debit card purchases instead of entering your personal identification number. You'll gain a few more protections and earn double the rewards.

• Credit Cards Offer Better Protections than Debit Cards

• Debit Card Drawbacks

• Credit Unions Offer a Smart Banking Option

• Are You Earning 4% On Your Cash?

• Five Sneaky Bank Fees

• Budgeting Software: A Free Way to Manage Your Finances

• Mistakes Can Happen With Automatic Billing

• The SmartMoney 401(k) Planner

• Easing the Bite of 401(k) Contributions

• Credit Cards, Banks Offering Cash Back For Money Spent

• The Best Credit Cards for Travel

• The Rewards Programs with the Most Bang for Your Buck

• Fee-Based Credit Cards Can Be a Good Deal for Some

2) Boost the Earning Power of Your Checking and Savings Accounts

It may seem like small potatoes, but you can beef up your checking and savings accounts by seeking out the best interest rates available and avoiding the nasty bank fees that can quickly drain your balance. Here's how to bolster your banking returns.

3) Stick to a Budget

Never again wonder where all your money is going and whether it got there on time. By setting up a simple system to keep your bills and transactions in check, you can soon rest easy knowing that the cable bill arrived on time, and that those impulse morning lattes aren't preventing you from paying off your student loans early.

4) Don't Forget to Save For Retirement

If you aren't getting the full company match for your 401(k), then you're giving up free money. (Go ahead, scoff, but 20% of workers don't contribute enough to do so, according to Hewitt Associates.) Not only will increasing your contributions make a significant difference in your retirement savings, but you can do so without noticeably depleting your paycheck.

5) Pick the Best Credit Card

A low interest rate is the obvious must-have, but it's also worth looking for a credit card that offers other benefits you might use. A good rewards program and cardholder perks can make a world of difference.