The survey bears that out. The biggest positive movers in the 2009 resolution survey are home improvement and real estate at 8 percent, up five percentage points from last year; family and relationships at 8 percent, up four points; and time management and organization at 7 percent, up three points.

Helmstetter said all of these trends taken together "suggest a broader trend toward returning to basics — family, friends and home — because that's where people are finding security and fulfillment during these very scary economic times."

MyGoals.com also found that paying down debt will be a popular resolution, one area where I always hope people find success.

"What is different is that very few people are thinking about investing, of any sort, compared to recent years," Helmstetter said. "Nearly all of people's financial resolutions will be about getting rid of debt."

Not surprisingly, the survey also shows that people have little interest in buying new homes and instead want to fix up their existing homes.

But before you let these resolution predictions depress you, Helmstetter points out that it's not all doom and gloom out there. "The tone is serious but seems to be merely conveying a return to basic things like simplicity, hearth-and-home, family, friends — the stuff that ultimately matters most."

Here's hoping that you and yours stay in touch with that stuff in the new year.

If you have financial questions or comments, send them to gkratz@desnews.com or to the Deseret News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, UT 84110. Or post your comments online in the "Family finances" section of the Deseret News "Life Talk" message boards at lifetalk.deseretnews.com.

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E-mail: gkratz@desnews.com