“I’m going to get in shape! I’m going to do a better job at saving money this year!”

I don’t know which one these is the most popular, and I’m not much of a betting man, but I’m willing to bet that those are the two most popular New Year’s resolutions made each year.

Obviously, here at Gaucho, we’re going to focus on helping out with those resolution to save some cash. Here are 7 resolutions you can make that will help you to save money, and maybe even do some good for you and your family.

1. Stop Eating Out

Most people enjoy going out to eat, but behind rent and mortgage payments, restaurant bills are frequently the most costly monthly expenses for individuals, couples, and families.

Get some old cookbooks at a local thrift store and learn to cook a few quick, simple, healthy meals. Limit eating out to 1 time a month, 1 time a week — or whatever is right to help you cut back and save money. Set a per month limit and stick to it.

2. Only Buy the Basics

If it can’t be harvested or hunted, don’t buy it. I’m not suggesting that you have to grow your own food, but hey, if you can do that, then that’s a solid way to save money on groceries.

Don’t buy packaged and processed foods, which are overpriced and overladen with sugar and salt. If they aren’t laden with sugar and salt, then they’re even more likely to be overpriced.

Buy only goods that are in a farm fresh or natural state. You can always find good deals on frozen vegetables, too, but stay away from the pre-baked, pre-cooked, pre-packaged frozen entrees and other dinners in a box/bag.

Buy beans, rice, nuts and similar items from bulk bins for the best pricing. Purchase meats from a deli, butcher, or meat market and avoid packaged meats, which are usually more expensive and offer a lower-quality product. Visit ethnic neighborhoods and aisles for cheap prices on spices and exotic produce, and use them to liven up your flavors.

3. Quit Smoking, Cut Back on Coffee

It’s another no-brainer. A pack of cigarettes costs almost $4 a pack. How much could quitting save you over the course of a year? You’ll probably feel better, too.

Instead of spending $1.25 – $4 every day on coffee, make it at home. Or, get a regular cup of java and skip all the fancy-schmancy expensive drinks. If you use a commuter mug, many coffee shops will often charge you for the price of a small coffee, regardless of mug size.

4. Conserve Energy

Bonus, it’s good for the environment. Doublebonus, using less gas and electricity — by making sure you turn off lights, shut doors, insulate leaky spaces, unplug unused appliances, and walk or peddle instead of drive — will save you some cash.

5. Downgrade and Consolidate Your Utilities

Do you really need 7,000 TV channels? And in HD? If you can reduce your cable bill by $5 to $10, that’s an extra $60 to $120 you could be putting in a savings account instead of giving to the cable company. Every bit helps.

Also, take advantage of packaging bundles for phone, cable, and internet. If you don’t know Skype, you should introduce yourself. Use it for international calls and for long family and business calls.

6. Set an Entertainment Quota

Instead of going out to see the over-hyped-by-Hollywood movie of the week, rent or download a new one to watch at home. Or pick up a classic you’ve never seen.

If you’re jonzing to get out of the house and really craving the theater experience, go during the day for the matinee prices. Be selective about concerts, and spend time exploring the outdoors instead of the malls.

7. Stick to a Budget

I’ve heard many people promise this one to themselves, especially during the last few years. It’s impossible to save money without a budget. To really save money, you must have a plan, and you must follow through and really stick to your plan. Set a budget for yourself and discuss one with your family. Let everyone understand the goals of the budget and the reasons. Ask everyone for ideas on how to spend less.

Make it clear that being on a budget doesn’t mean that no fun will be had. Create activities that focus on having fun together, but don’t cost too much — like board games, walks, bike rides, or throwing a football around — and reduce the frequency of more costly outings.

You, Resolved

These are 7 achievable resolutions. If you commit to any one of them for a full year, you will spend less money, and hopefully, that money will sit in a bank.

Of course, there’s an 8th resolution you could make, too. And that’s to check out the Gaucho Savings Stream every day. If you do that, you’re sure to save money throughout the year.