As the new year gains momentum, many people are struggling to keep their personal finance-based resolutions. If you’ve made it your goal to start building wealth and operating in financial prudence this year, it’s important to note that you can make it happen. To get started, be sure to implement the following three helpful strategies:

1. Create A Budget.

You might think that creating a budget is “common sense” and therefore not worth discussing. Yet the reality is that many people neglect to create a budget, and this fact detracts from their personal finance skills. With that concept in mind, it’s important that you sit down and put together a detailed, thorough budget that displays your weekly or monthly income as well as the bills you are required to pay.

2. Familiarize Yourself With The Banks.

Whether you’re interested in getting a loan, obtaining a credit card, or earning more interest on the funds in your checking account, the key to realizing your objective will be familiarizing yourself with the banks. In recognizing the truth of this principle, be sure that you’re doing things such as developing a professional relationship with a financial accountant. Also know where your banks are located so that you’ll always be able to access your funds or professional assistance when necessary. For example, if you bank with J.P. Morgan, make a point to know where all of the J.P. Morgan private banking locations are within a 30-mile radius.

3. Optimize Your Credit Card Practices.

We live in an era in which having a credit card is important if you want to build good credit. At the same time, however, many people overspend on their credit cards and then run into challenges when their impaired credit precludes them from getting loans or engaging in other significant financial enterprises. Don’t let this problem manifest in your life. Instead, get in the habit of paying your credit card bills on time, looking into getting the lowest APR rates possible, and avoiding your inclination to make impulse purchases with the cards.

Summing It All Up

If you’re serious about building wealth in 2015, you should note that there are several ways you can make it happen. By using some or all of the financial principles outlined in the previous paragraphs, you can prepare for an economically lucrative year. Good luck!