The start of a new year is the perfect time to kick-start a savings plan for 2018. As you look ahead, consider your financial goals or dreams. Is this your year to get out of debt, buy a house, plan that once in a lifetime trip or just build up your rainy-day fund? Every dollar you save will bring you that much closer to achieving these goals, you just need to take the first step.

When first considering how to tackle your savings, it’s good to keep in mind the 50/20/30 rule of thumb, which suggests putting:

• 50 percent of your income toward necessities
• 20 percent toward paying off debt or for savings and then
• 30 percent allocated as “fun” money

Committing to these seven simple lifestyle adjustments can help you achieve your financial goals and reach a healthy 50/20/30 balance.

Off-peak is likely on budget. Try to time purchases for the item’s cheapest season. This can mean buying a winter coat in April when it goes on sale, visiting Italy in the November off-season or maybe even starting your Christmas shopping in July. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also avoid all the peak season crowds.

Cut it down to one. Do you have multiples of any subscription service when all you really need is one? Look at your recurring or automatically enrolled payments and see if you’re paying for more than one streaming service, gym membership, roadside assistance service, or delivery plan. If that’s not the case, take it to the next level and start to reflect on the value each service provides and see if it’s worthy of your investment. If it’s essential, is there a cheaper alternative that will still suit your needs?

Skip the venti mocha (or the overpriced avocado toast). The average price of a mocha is $3.94. If you do the simple math and multiply this number by the number of visits you make to the coffee shop a month, and then a year, you can see how much it adds up. Apply this resolution to any non-essential, expensive food or drink item that you buy on a regular basis. Instead, commit to bringing some home-brewed coffee in a mug to work with you and try packing your lunch multiple times per week.

Pay down high-interest credit cards. Whenever possible, pay more than your monthly minimum balance, focusing first on the cards with the highest interest rates. There are interest rate calculators available on multiple sites that help you calculate payments to keep you on track to becoming debt free. Once your payments are back on track, resist adding to that balance going forward. Some cards also offer balance transfers at lower interest rates, but be wary of fees.

Do you really need apps and drinks and dessert with that? When you do go out to eat, try to limit the items you order beyond that delicious entrée. Choose only one item between apps, drinks, and dessert, or if you’re ambitious, just go for the meal with no extras! Not only will you save money when you pass on the appetizers, but you’ll cut down on your caloric intake as well – a win-win!

Consider disputing your property assessment. Studies have found that county assessors can over-asses the value of your home, increasing the amount owed on taxes each year. Lowering your property taxes can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. If you think your home value wasn’t properly assessed, consider petitioning your town’s tax assessor for a revaluation.

Refinance your mortgage. Interest rates are still historically low, so consider refinancing your mortgage before interest rates continue to rise even further. Just make sure to factor in any accompanying fees and expenses that could accumulate with a refinance transaction.

Like any New Year’s Resolution, starting is always the hardest part. But making simple changes, like the ones listed above, can help form long-lasting habits that ultimately lead to a balanced budget.