It's said that a quitter never wins, but that's definitely not true when it comes to smoking.

Here are some tips to help you kick the habit.

Set a date and circle it on your calendar. Then announce it to family and friends.

Throw out all your cigarettes and ashtrays

Avoid places like bars where people smoke.

And save up all the money you would have blown on cigarettes. That can add up to $1,700 a year for a pack-a-day smoker! Use the savings to treat yourself to a vacation or other indulgence.

Finally, take advantage of quit-smoking aids, like nicotine gum, inhalers, lozenges or patches. Support groups and telephone counseling programs can also help.

Remember: It takes the average smoker as many as 10 tries to quit for good. So if you've tried and failed before, try again.

The benefits to your health and life will be well worth it.