Every year, individuals reflect on their aspirations, whether it’s to exercise more, travel to a new country, or resume a long-forgotten hobby. As we transition into the new year, it’s a common practice to outline our goals and the identities we aim to embody.
With the arrival of 2025, a significant trend has emerged: nearly two-thirds of Americans are prioritizing financial stability on their resolutions list, as highlighted by an annual study from Fidelity Investments. This shift underscores the growing awareness of financial health among the populace.
According to Fidelity’s survey of 3,000 adults, the top three financial resolutions for 2025 include saving more money, reducing debt, and minimizing spending. Notably, an impressive 79% of respondents are focusing on enhancing their emergency savings, reflecting a collective desire for financial preparedness.
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The focus on savings is hardly surprising given the impact of inflation on daily living expenses over the past year. A staggering 72% of respondents reported experiencing a financial setback in 2024, with nearly half of this group tapping into their emergency savings to stay afloat during challenging times.
“It’s understandable that financial pressures remain a significant concern for many Americans,” stated Sangeeta Moorjani, head of Tax-Exempt Market and Lifetime Engagement at Fidelity Investments, in a press release. As we approach 2025, individuals are adopting a more cautious financial strategy, focusing on savings, debt repayment, and establishing an emergency safety net, often placing these priorities above long-term objectives like retirement savings or saving for education.
Addressing the Rising Concern of Unexpected Expenses in 2025
The survey results indicate that Americans are increasingly anxious about their financial situations compared to previous years, particularly regarding unplanned spending. Approximately 40% of respondents identified unexpected expenses as their primary concern for 2025. Following closely are worries about inflation and the cost of living, along with broader economic uncertainty and potential recession fears. Moreover, over a third of participants expressed heightened concerns about their ability to manage bills, pay off debts, save effectively, and achieve their retirement goals.
Allianz Life’s New Year’s Resolutions Study echoes these sentiments, revealing that 41% of respondents feel increased financial stress compared to the previous year, with 38% prioritizing financial stability as their main focus for the new year.
Many financial challenges faced in 2024 stemmed from external factors such as inflation and rising living costs. However, respondents in Allianz’s survey also acknowledged personal spending habits as a contributing factor. About 30% admitted to overspending on non-essential items, while 27% recognized their failure to save as much as they could.
Despite these broader economic worries, a significant portion of respondents from both surveys remain optimistic about their financial prospects in the coming year. Approximately 70% of participants in Fidelity’s survey reported having a clear plan to achieve their financial goals, and more than half (65%) anticipate an improvement in their financial situation by 2025.
Effective Strategies to Achieve Your New Year’s Financial Resolutions
Maintaining your New Year’s resolutions requires commitment, especially as the post-holiday haze fades and daily routines resume. However, with a solid financial plan in place, you can confidently navigate your path toward achieving your goals.
“Developing a financial plan that is clear, realistic, and customized to individual circumstances is essential for making it achievable. This plan can form the foundation for the financial security that many Americans seek,” Moorjani emphasizes in Fidelity’s press release.
A well-structured plan should encompass specific, manageable goals that are easier to uphold. For instance, if your aim is to enhance your emergency fund, consider setting a specific resolution to allocate 10% of each paycheck to a high-yield savings account, instead of simply stating a desire to save more. The key is to break down large financial objectives into smaller, actionable steps and habits that are easily remembered. Remember, for success, your goals must align with your current financial reality.
Once your financial plan is established, share your resolutions with a trusted individual. Being transparent about your progress allows that person to help keep you accountable. Sometimes, having an external voice can remind you of your financial commitments, especially when tempted by sales or when considering takeout while food is available at home.
Regarding unnecessary purchases, take a moment to assess whether you truly need an item before making a purchase. Often, you may already possess something that fulfills the same need. Another useful strategy is to create a wishlist for desired items and wait before purchasing. If the item is not essential, you might find that you forget about it altogether.
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