January 1, the day we flip the calendar for a fresh year and great intentions to start fresh in many areas of our life.

Is this the year you shed those 20 pounds you have been carrying around? Perhaps starting an exercise regime is your plan along with focusing on a healthier you? Is this the year you pay off those credit cards and start establishing a heartier savings account? Maybe you want to become more organized or finally kick that smoking habit?

Whatever your resolution, there are plenty of resources around town to help you with your goals.

Joining a health club, losing the 20 pounds, and becoming healthier may go hand in hand. We are lucky to have two large health clubs in a five mile radius that can help you with your goal.

Gold's Gym (in the Crofton shopping center) is a state-of-the-art facility offering a wide range of classes; cardio equipment; and it's noted "Cardio Cinema" where you can exercise and watch movies on the big screen at the same time.  

 "Fitness shouldn't be limited to January. Developing and sticking to an exercise routine that works for you will yield healthy results for a lifetime," said Danny Lee, head fitness trainer at Gold's Gym Crofton.  All of the club information can be found at www.goldsgym.com.

Just up the road in the Village of Waugh Chapel is LA Fitness. This newer facility has all the bells and whistles that one could possibly want in a health club. There's  even a lap pool if swimming is your thing. Check out all of their January deals and class schedules at www.lafitness.com.

If a big gym isn't your thing and you prefer to partake in a private exercise regimen, you may like Fitness Matters Gym which is located on Conway Road behind Princess Shopping Center. They specialize in one on one training with a more personal approach. Visit their website www.fitnessmattersgym.us.

There are many organizations locally that are here to help you lose those extra pounds. My personal favorite, Weight Watchers holds regular meetings at Fitness Matters Gym. Weight Watchers offers free enrollment in January. Visit their website at www.weightwatchers.com.

Jenny Craig does not have an office in Crofton but does offer significant online help in helping you achieve your weight loss goal. www.jennycraig.com.

Need to organize things? Check out this website for lots of helpful hints. I'm glad to see its still there. I consulted them a few years back, so I guess I can keep working on it. www.organizedhome.com.

As far as kicking the smoking habit, smoking cessation products have come a long way in the past few years. Nicorette gum boasts a high success rate, or perhaps quitting cold turkey is what you need. We have learned so much on the many dangers of smoking, so arm yourself with some facts and go from there.

Crofton Acupuncture and Wellness offers a unique, eight-week  'Tobacufee' Smoking Cessation with Acupuncture program. Visit their website at www.croftonacupunture.com for more information.

Financial experts say that when it comes to saving it's better to start small. Just tucking away $100 per month can get you on the road to a growing savings account. Work on paying down credit card debt and work on living within your means, not above them.

While there are a number of large, chain banks in the area, there are also several smaller banks with more local ties. Arundel Federal Savings Bank is located on Route 3 and offers a Goal Maker Savings Account. Visit www.arundelfederal.com for more detailed information.

Essex Bank has a Crofton location and also has various types of savings plans including an E-Kids Savings account for children. Check out the website for additional information. www.essexbank.com.

Whatever your resolutions, don't stress out if you can't keep them....there is always next year.