"Last year, we observed a sharp decrease in goals related to investing in stocks," Helmstetter said. "It's safe to say that real estate is absorbing some of that investment capital. While real estate still remains a relatively small category of goals overall, resolutions to purchase rental properties — ranging from single-family homes to large apartment buildings — are significantly stronger than we've ever seen in the three years we've been collecting data."

I find that surprising, and it's a resolution I definitely will not make. I'm not a handy guy around the house, and I can't imagine trying to fix up a rental place. But I guess it's a good sign for the economy that people have money they want to invest.

So there you have it. If you're like me — and the people examined by myGoals.com — you're going to once again vow to hit the gym and stash those credit cards as you enter the new year. Whatever you resolve, I wish you the best of luck!

If you have a question about personal or family finances, or if you want to share a story of the best or worst financial advice you've ever received, please e-mail me at gkratz@desnews.com or send a letter to me at the Deseret Morning News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, UT 84110.

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E-mail: gkratz@desnews.com