Looks like New Year’s resolutions are still going strong in 2025! A recent Pew survey found that about a third of Americans kicked off the year with at least one resolution, and many people actually went for multiple goals. It’s especially popular with the younger crowd. The good news? Most folks are sticking to their plans – only 13% have completely thrown in the towel a month into the year.1
What type of resolutions do people make? In 2023, the most popular ones included improving physical health (20%) and saving more money (20%). Others were exercising more (19%), eating healthier (18%), being happy (17%), and losing weight (17%). Career-related resolutions were the least popular, with only 9% resolving to pursue a career goal and 7% resolving to get a new job.2
While traditional New Year’s resolutions may last for a while, we all know they often fall by the wayside the further we get from the falling ball in Times Square. However, you may want to try these innovative strategies to help create lasting change and growth, particularly in personal finance. Here are some unique perspectives on resolutions that can help you start the year with renewed focus and purpose.
The “12 Mini-Resolutions” Approach
Instead of setting one overwhelming goal for the year, you might consider adopting the “12 Mini-Resolutions” approach. This strategy involves setting small goals for each month of the year. By breaking down your larger objectives into manageable monthly tasks, you may be able to reduce the internal pressure you put on yourself and increase your adaptability.
For example, in January, you might resolve to review your retirement account contribution strategy. In February, your goal could be to review your beneficiaries and make any necessary changes. This approach allows for flexibility and continuous progress throughout the year. See below for an example of a 12-month mini-financial resolution calendar.3
Habit Stacking for Success
Habit stacking is a great technique that involves linking a new habit to an existing one. This method can be particularly effective for building positive behaviors.4
For instance, your morning routine habit stack might look like this:
- After pouring my morning cup of coffee, I meditate for sixty seconds.
- After I meditate for sixty seconds, I will write my to-do list for the day.
- After I write my to-do list for the day, I will immediately begin my first task.
A financial habit stack may be:
- As I pay my monthly bills, I will review my credit card statements.
- As I review my credit card statements, I can see which card has the highest interest rate.
- As I determine which card has the highest interest rate, I can consider a strategy to dedicate more of my monthly budget to that bill.
Habit stacking works on the theory that your current habits are already built into your brain. You have patterns and behaviors that have been strengthened over the years. By linking new habits you want to start to a cycle that is already built into your brain, you make it more likely that you’ll stick to the new behavior. Once you have mastered this basic structure, you can create larger stacks by chaining small habits together. This technique allows you to take advantage of the natural momentum that comes from one behavior leading into the next.4
Leveraging Technology for Accountability
Technology can be a powerful ally in pursuing your resolutions in today’s digital age. Digital advancements have helped track personal growth. The evolution of technology and the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) have heralded an era of smart goal-tracking systems, including an array of mobile apps you can access right from your smartphone. These apps can help maintain your focus on objectives, aligning your actions with your goals.
Technology can automate reminders, helping you to keep focus on your tasks. Digital tools provide regular reminders, informing you of your next step toward pursuing your goals. For example, there are many budgeting apps you may want to consider.
Here are a few that may be of interest:
1. YNAB (You Need a Budget)
- Overview: YNAB is focused on proactive budgeting, helping users keep track of every dollar they earn. It might help someone who wants to track spending in real time and manage money more intentionally.
- Features: Real-time tracking of credit card spending, debt payoff ideas, and goal-setting.
- Ideal user: Someone who wants detailed control over their budget.
- Platform: iOS, Android, and web (paid subscription).
2. PocketGuard
- Overview: PocketGuard is designed to help users see how much disposable income they have after accounting for bills and savings goals. It connects to bank accounts and credit cards to track real-time spending.
- Features: Budgeting, spending insights, savings goals, and debt payoff ideas.
- Ideal user: Someone who wants a simple way to see what’s safe to spend.
- Platform: iOS, Android, and web.
3. Spendee
- Overview: Spendee is a simple, user-friendly app that allows manual entry or syncing with bank accounts and credit cards. It offers an easy-to-use interface for tracking spending by category.
- Features: Budgeting, spending tracking, and expense categorization.
- Ideal user: Someone who wants a visually appealing, straightforward app.
- Platform: iOS, Android, and web.
4. Goodbudget
- Overview: This app uses the envelope budgeting method, where you assign money into different “envelopes” for each spending category. It helps users stay mindful of their spending without linking to bank accounts.
- Features: Envelope budgeting, spending tracking, and reports.
- Ideal user: Someone who prefers manual entry and a simple, disciplined approach to budgeting.
- Platform: iOS and Android.
The “Reverse Resolution” Method
Instead of focusing on what to start doing, the reverse resolution method encourages you to identify habits or behaviors you want to stop. For example, you might resolve to stop making impulse purchases or to cease procrastinating on certain financial decisions.
The “Skills-Based” Resolution Approach
You may want to consider setting resolutions around acquiring new skills instead of just focusing on a particular outcome. Consider exploring new subjects, taking on new challenges, or finding new ways to learn. By making learning a habit and incorporating it into your daily routine, you may help pursue your educational goals and continue to grow and develop over time.
Staying informed about potential policy changes being discussed in Washington, D.C., that could impact your long-term financial strategy could be a worthwhile learning resolution. Setting a goal of increasing your financial knowledge may position you to ask informed questions when meeting with your financial professional.
Risk Management and Protection
Risk management is often overlooked for financial resolutions. Consider reviewing your insurance coverage every year. Additionally, you may want to explore options for dealing with extended care, which can play a role in a comprehensive financial strategy, especially as you approach retirement age.
While you may not need extended care services in retirement, many will. According to the Administration for Community Living, a 65-year-old has a 70% chance of needing some form of extended care. It’s important to remember that Medicare does not typically cover extended care costs. According to Genworth, the estimated median cost of extended care in 2024 is $5,511 per month for assisted living and $10,025 for a private room in a nursing home.5
The “One Word” Resolution Strategy
Consider choosing a single guiding word instead of specific resolutions for a more holistic approach to your year. This word can be a theme for your financial decisions and actions throughout the year. Words like “Success,” “Grow,” or “Achievement” can provide a powerful focus for your financial journey.
We are here to help
Whether you implement mini-resolutions, focus on skill development, or adopt a guiding word for the year, the key is to remain flexible and committed to your long-term financial and personal well-being.
By taking an innovative approach to your New Year’s resolutions, you can set yourself up for a year of personal development. You do not have to go alone when seeking your financial goals. As financial professionals, we are here to help you along your journey, not just for the year ahead but far into the future. If you would like us to review your financial goals or help you set them, please contact us, and we can start the discussion.
1 Pew Research, January 29, 2024
2 Discover Happy Habits, June 1, 2024
4 How to Build New Habits by Taking Advantage of Old Ones, October 19, 2024
5 SeniorLiving.org, June 25, 2024
Disclosures:
The material presented includes information and opinions provided by a party not related to Thrivent Advisor Network. The information herein is from sources deemed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The opinions expressed may not necessarily represent those of Thrivent Advisor Network or its affiliates. They are provided solely for information purposes and are not to be construed as solicitations or offers to buy or sell any products, securities or services. They also do not include all fees or expenses that may be incurred by investing in specific products. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. You cannot invest directly in an index. The opinions expressed are subject to change as subsequent conditions vary. Thrivent Advisor Network and its affiliates accept no liability for loss or damage of any kind arising from the use of this information.
