I’m not a big believer in the whole Mayan calendar prediction thing, so I’ve opted not to drain all my accounts or start prepping for doomsday. Since the holidays are now behind us and we’ll still be around come 2013, it’s time to turn our attention to getting our financial houses in order.

Don’t worry – I’ll start. Here’s what I’m planning to do in 2013 to tidy up my money mess and set myself up for success in the years to come.

Resolution #1: I vow to start tracking once and for all.

I kind of started this in 2012. At the end of each month, I’d add up and record my variable spending each month, but there was no rhyme or reason to my record-keeping. Therefore, I was left with useless info collected to make myself feel bad about spending money.

Instead of engaging in this (admittedly masochistic) behavior in 2013, I’m choosing to use financial tracking software. As I mentioned last week, I’ve opted to use Personal Capital. I recently reviewed the free service here on Everything Finance, and I’m really excited to start the year off right by tracking my finances in their entirety with the platform.

Resolution #2: I vow to finally open my Roth IRA.

I wanted to open my Roth IRA last year, but I ran into a ridiculous tax snag that prevented me from setting it up. I learned that people who are married filing separately can open Roth accounts, sure, but they can’t contribute a dime. What kind of silly law is that?

Anyway, that’s an issue for a different day. This year, I’m filing jointly with my hubby so that I can finally open and fund my Roth. I plan to figure out my max allowable yearly contribution and divide that amount into twelve monthly payments. Then, I’ll set up an automatic payment arrangement from my savings so it’s done for me each month.

This particular resolution is very important for me to complete because I’m self-employed. When you work for yourself, you must be proactive about saving for retirement and paying your taxes – income and self-employment. There’s no boss looking over your shoulder and no payroll department to cut your checks, so it’s your job to look out for #1: yourself and your family.

Resolution #3: I vow to handle up on my student loan debt.

I’ve been making automatic payments for over a year now, but my student loan balance has yet to budge. I’m under Obama’s plan (*now closed to new applicants), so my payments are adjusted to my income and they cap out at 25 years. Unfortunately, my student loan company took it upon themselves to work around that limitation and tack a whole bunch of interest onto my principal. Now, I’m barely breaking even.  In 2013, I plan to duke it out with my student loan company and figure up the amount I should be paying in order to make a dent in my balance.

Have any 2013 financial resolutions of your own? Tell us about them in the comments below!

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About Nell Terry

Nell Terry is a freelance writer, financial blogger, and fledgling Internet marketer. She thrives on social media, web design, and unearthing unique ways to save and invest her money. Find out more about Nell by visiting her online portfolio at Content by Nell.