2010 will be the year that people put their finances in order, if the current crop of studies on New Year's resolutions is any indicator.

For example, one study commissioned by FranklinCovey Products, found that respondents' top New Year’s resolution was to improve their financial situation (via MarketingCharts).

Specifically, more than 44% of survey respondents ranked "saving for the future" as their topmost resolution specific to finances. Eliminating debt" came in second as ranked by 40% of respondents, and "Seeking additional sources of income" was third at 38%.

Of course, the promises people make to themselves on Jan. 1, are notoriously difficult to keep. The FranklinCovey survey also found that a "lack of commitment" was cited by 3% of respondents as the primary reason their resolution won't be reached.

'A Strong Financial Future'

"Feelings about the future are mixed, but people fundamentally agree that the nation and its citizens must focus on rebuilding a strong financial future," said Nancy Jones, CMO of Allianz Life, whose survey of 1,000 adults found that more people (40.7%) would chose a financial expert over a personal trainer (27.3%) to help them meet their goals.

But "the survey shows a lack of confidence in exactly how to manage finances well," Jones went on to say.

An App for Saving

Consumers that can't afford the services of a financial advisor can still get assistance with their money issues. Not surprisingly, given the popularity of anything to do with finances or bargain shopping, there are apps for consumers eager to get a handle on their spending and saving behavior.

The website Mint.com has a personal finance app that allows consumers to track their investments, credit card and bank account balances on their iPhone or iTouch devices, just as they do on the very popular website.

SavingAdvice.com recommends two other apps for saving money.

One is Paper Calc, an app that combines a 25-function scientific calculator with the 'paper tape' from an adding machine. "No more double or triple-checking your math, because this app keeps track of every element of your calculations. The 'paper' in Paper Calc is virtual: you can check the numbers you've entered, timestamp an entry, add notes… and save it."

The second, Bill Minder, keeps track of what needs to be paid and when, as well as a history of what has been paid. "Bill Minder takes some of the stress out of bill paying…because you can see your entire scope of bills in one place, and make good decisions about paying those bills down."

Job Hunting

Earning more money - or in the case of the one out of five unemployed workers - earning any money at all, is also a top financial resolution this year, according to a survey of 1,000 US adults commissioned by Putnam Investments and conducted by Insight Express. When asked what would they would most like to see happen in 2010, nearly a third (32%) said "job growth."

Apps to help job searchers land a position are growing in response; a recent one is Career Rescue, which is updated frequently with tips about interviewing, resumes, email impressions, networking and social media. It also offers advice to jump-start a search.

While job hunting, no effort is too great or redundant. Besides apps and job-related websites, searchers should also tap social media like Twitter for tips in their specific fields. For example, multichannel marketing recruiter Jerry Bernhart will host a second Tweetchat for direct marketing jobs on Sunday, January 10th. Participants can exchange job leads, ask questions, and get advice on digital and direct marketing hiring and employment during the session, he says.