Start the New Year Right: Easy Financial Resolutions You’ll Actually Keep
January always feels like a blank slate—a chance to start fresh. I still remember the January I decided to take control of my finances.
The year before, I had been drowning in debt, constantly worrying about how I’d pay the bills. But that New Year’s Day, I made a resolution to change—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.
New Year’s resolutions often feel like wish lists that fade by February, but this year, I’m determined to stick to my financial goals—and I want to help you do the same.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by money matters or unsure where to begin, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too.
Back in 2018, I started the year with big plans to save for a house deposit, only to realise I had no idea where my money was going each month. By March, I felt completely defeated. But that same year, I decided to get serious about my finances—and everything changed.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to make massive changes all at once. Starting small can still lead to meaningful progress.
Financial Resolutions for a Bright Financial Future
Let’s dive into some practical financial resolutions you can make this New Year to turn it into your year of financial success!
1. Create (and Stick to) a Budget
Did you know? Studies show that individuals who budget are 33% more likely to save for future goals and reduce debt, making it a key step toward financial well-being.
Budgeting is one of the most actionable financial resolutions you can make to achieve your goals.
Budgeting doesn’t have to feel like a punishment; it’s the roadmap to your financial goals.
The first step to getting control of your finances is understanding where your money goes. I used to dread opening my banking app because I didn’t want to face the reality of my spending habits (hello, impulse shopping!).
But one month, I committed to tracking every penny. By the end of it, I discovered over £200 I could redirect toward savings.
Looking for help getting started? My comprehensive guide to budgeting breaks the process down step by step, making it simple and manageable—even for beginners.
Budgeting gets easier with time, especially when you personalise it to fit your priorities. For example, I allocate a small “fun fund” for guilt-free spending each month. It’s a little trick that keeps me motivated while staying on track.
Budgeting tools like the Emma app make budgeting even more accessible. You can customise it to fit your needs, giving you a clear and personalised approach to managing your finances effectively.
Once you’ve created a budget, the next step is ensuring you’re prepared for the unexpected.
2. Build an Emergency Fund
Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it? That’s why an emergency fund is essential.
Building an emergency fund should be a priority in your financial resolutions for 2025.
A few years ago, I faced an unexpected car repair bill that wiped out my savings. That experience taught me the importance of having a safety net.
Start small—even £500 can provide peace of mind. Automating a portion of your savings each payday ensures steady progress without having to think about it.
How Can I Automate My Savings?
A quick way to automate your savings is to save a percentage of your income every payday, so that your savings grow as your income grows.
You can also use apps like Monzo and Plum to round up your savings automatically with every purchase.
Another tip is to put your savings in an account you don’t look at very often—out of sight, out of mind. You won’t even miss the money you’re saving, and over time, it adds up significantly.
So, open separate accounts, like a dedicated savings account, and watch your savings grow.
Think of your emergency fund as your “sleep well at night” money. It’s there to protect you from financial stress when unexpected expenses arise, whether it’s a medical bill or an urgent home repair.
Starting with a small emergency fund can be one of the simplest financial resolutions to kick off.
Check out this article for 25 Unexpected Reasons You Need an Emergency Fund.
With a safety net in place, you can confidently set and achieve bigger financial goals.
3. Set Clear, Achievable Financial Goals
Vague goals like “save more money” rarely work. Instead, clarity is key.
Specific goals—like “save £1,000 for a holiday by July”—are not only more actionable but also more motivating. Improving your credit score can be another specific financial goal to set this year.
I remember last year when I decided to fund Christmas entirely through cashback and rewards apps. Breaking my goal into small milestones made it feel manageable and rewarding.
According to research, you are 42 percent more likely to achieve your goals when written down.
Whether it’s paying off debt, saving for a big purchase, or investing, writing your goals down and reviewing them monthly keeps you accountable.
Don’t forget to celebrate small wins to stay motivated!
Ready to make your goals a reality? My Personal Finance Planner is designed to help you set clear, achievable goals, track your progress, and stay focused throughout the year.
With sections dedicated to budgeting, saving, and tracking milestones, it’s your ultimate tool for financial success.
While setting goals is important, making your money work for you can take your financial journey to the next level.
4. Get Familiar with Investing
Did you know that studies show women are generally better long-term investors than men, as they tend to take a more consistent and cautious approach? This can be an empowering fact for women stepping into the investing world.
Investing isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants their money to grow.
When I first started investing, I was nervous about losing money. But I began with just £100 a month on a beginner-friendly platform like MoneyFarm. Over time, I saw my money grow and realised how empowering it felt to build long-term wealth.
Check out my MoneyFarm review to learn how this beginner-friendly platform can help you start investing with confidence.
Starting a Stock and Shares ISA investment account or contributing more to your retirement account are smart financial resolutions to consider.
Start small, diversify your investments, and remember that time in the market beats timing the market. Investing doesn’t have to be complicated, and there are plenty of tools and resources to guide you.
While investing can build wealth, it’s equally important to ensure your spending aligns with your values and priorities.
5. Cut Back Without Feeling Deprived
Saving money doesn’t mean giving up everything you love.
One of my financial resolutions last year was to spend less on takeaways. I saved over £1,000 by cooking more at home—and I discovered some great recipes along the way!
My favourite hack? Recreating restaurant dishes at home.
Check out this list of affordable recipe ideas to inspire your kitchen creativity and save money at the same time here.
Small lifestyle changes add up over time. Whether it’s brewing your coffee at home or switching to second-hand shopping, find areas where you can cut back without feeling deprived.
Looking for inspiration? Check out my fun 30-day challenge ideas to save more money without feeling deprived—there’s something for everyone!
6. Be Financially Savvy
The best way to protect your financial future is by gaining knowledge.
Taking control of your finances can greatly enhance your lifestyle, but it does require some effort. This New Year, set aside time to get familiar with key financial concepts such as savings accounts, interest rates, stocks, shares, and pensions.
You’ll find plenty of resources to help you learn about managing your money right here at Money Nuggets, and read personal finance books to keep you motivated.
Remember, knowledge is power – making the effort to educate yourself is the first and most important step towards understanding and managing your finances effectively.
To keep these financial resolutions on track, it’s important to monitor your progress and celebrate milestones.
7. Track Your Progress
There’s nothing more motivating than seeing how far you’ve come. Tracking your financial resolutions helps you stay motivated and see tangible results.
I’ll never forget the first time I paid off a credit card balance in full. To keep myself motivated, I created a colourful debt tracker and marked off each payment.
Seeing my progress visually was a huge motivator—just like personal fitness instructors emphasise tracking progress to see improvements. Whether it’s finances or fitness, tracking is a game-changer for staying on course.
Use tools like apps or a simple spreadsheet to track your goals. Celebrate small wins with affordable treats to keep the journey enjoyable.
If you’re looking for a helpful tool to keep you on track and stay focused on your financial goals this year, our Personal Finance Planner is a must-have.
Did you know? Studies show that people who track their financial progress are 42% more likely to achieve their money goals. This statistic underscores how impactful consistent tracking can be for staying on course and achieving success.
With consistent tracking and adjustments, you can turn your financial resolutions into lasting habits.
Achieving your financial goals and keeping you motivated for financial success is EXACTLY what our Financial Success Planner is all about.
People who use the planner are more focused on their financial goals and absolutely love it!
But even better than achieving your goals is the feedback we get about how the planner changed their money habits and helped them achieve their financial goals quicker than they thought possible.
Click here to get YOUR Financial Success Planner today!
FAQs – Financial Resolutons
Q: What if I break my financial resolutions halfway through the year?
A: Don’t beat yourself up! Progress isn’t linear. Restart where you left off.
Q: How do I stay motivated on my financial resolutions?
A: Make it visual! Keep your goals somewhere you’ll see daily. Use trackers, vision boards, or apps to monitor your progress—it makes staying on course easier and more rewarding.
This is where our personal finance planner becomes incredibly useful.
Q: What are the most common financial resolutions?
A: The most common financial resolutions include saving more, paying off debt, investing, sticking to a budget, and building an emergency fund. These goals are all about creating a stable and secure financial future.
Your Financial Fresh Start Awaits
Making financial resolutions doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right tools and mindset, you can turn 2025 into the year you take charge of your money—and I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!
Grab your Personal Finance Planner today and start turning your financial resolutions into reality. Don’t wait—start your 2025 financial success journey today!
“Jessy R. says, ‘This planner completely changed the way I manage my money. I’ve already hit two of my financial goals this year!”
