It’s been a tough year for many Americans. Job losses, reduced work hours and higher prices for many commodities mean many people just aren’t carrying a lot of cash in their pockets.

Nearly 44 million, or one in seven Americans, is living at the poverty level, the New York Times reports, and a missed paycheck could mean missing a bill payment. This process could add interest costs onto your bills, and eventually, if the money isn’t paid, collectors may come calling.

Here are some tips to creating smart goals so you can develop strategies for saving money, instead of spending every dollar of every paycheck:

* Make a New Year’s resolution to build up a cash or emergency fund, instead of spending every cent. Set aside some money immediately – say $5 a paycheck – for that emergency fund, and it won’t take too long for you to get used to having just a little less money in your pocket. When an emergency happens – say you have a flat tire that needs fixing, or your son needs an emergency prescription for an ear infection – you can draw money from your emergency fund instead of your pocket, so you’ll still be able to pay the monthly bills.

* Review your spending. You might think you have saved every dime you possibly can, but if you track your spending habits, you may find other places to cut back. Many free online worksheets help you track your spending habits each month. This will allow you to closely monitor where your money goes each week, and determine if you’re spending dollars that might be better invested in your emergency fund.

* Stop or slow down your spending by canceling or even destroying your credit cards. Setting good goals like establishing a budget and putting money into savings accounts can help you get on the right financial track.

* Earn extra money. Yes, finding a job isn’t always easy these days, but you can find ways to bring in a little extra money by performing odd jobs – selling online items in your house you don’t use, hiring yourself out to shovel the sidewalks and driveways in your neighborhood, or even crafting items like special cakes or wooden toys that other people may be interested in purchasing.

Talk with your family and friends about these goals for the New Year to help you save money from each paycheck, and see if you can’t get a plan established in your household so you aren’t anxiously waiting for payday.