On this final day of 2008, we bid farewell to another year gone by and begin thinking about how we can make changes to better the year to come.

Those changes - known as resolutions - have become a yearly tradition for millions of Americans.

Losing weight tops the list of New Year's resolutions. But for financially strained Nebraskans it may be difficult to afford a gym membership.

"The best thing we have is a personal pricing program," said J.P. Lauterbach, the Executive Director at Lincoln's Cooper Branch YMCA . "It's an income based membership fee structure, so if people feel they can't afford a membership at our regular rate, they can apply for the personal pricing plan."

The YMCA's personal pricing plan gives those who are economically strapped, membership at a discount.

"Once they're in, they're treated like any other member. They get access to everything like any other member. It's been very, very positive," Lauterbach said.

For those looking for a resolution that costs very little but could pay off big-time, spending more time with family and friends may be the answer.

"There's quite a few opportunities in our city, in our state for get together with family and friends. We've got free things, museums, the children's zoo," said Velma Lassen of Lincoln's AAA.

For those who want a family vacation on a budget, AAA says the more, the merrier.

"Multi generational travel is actually one of the very, very interesting things with the grandparents, the parents, and the children which is a very nice way to spend time together," said Lassen. "And that can be as easy as going to somewhere free and staying in an inexpensive motel."

The YMCA also offers activities for families.

"We also have things for just kids to do maybe while mom and dad are working out. So they might not be right in the same room together, but they can all come to the 'Y' and the kids can go swimming while mom and dad come up and work out," said Lauterbach.

To top off your new Year's resolution on a budget, consider trimming your spending. Some financial experts recommend adding up all of your bills and paying off the lowest balance first to get out of debt.

They also say it's a good idea to pay everything with cash so you can avoid large credit card bills. And as difficult as it may be, experts recommend saving money while paying off debt.

Whether dropping a vice or picking up a virtue, making a New Year's resolution without blowing your budget, is easy with a little time and creativity.