As 2025 draws to a close, many of us start thinking about what we want to do differently with our money. With household budgets stretched tighter than ever, money-related goals are high on our lists.
New research suggests that nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of people plan to make at least one financial resolution this year. Saving more is the most popular goal, with almost a quarter (24 per cent) saying it’s their top priority for 2026. Others want to spend less, get on top of their finances, pay down debts, invest more, boost pension contributions or finally make a will.
Women are more likely than men to make financial resolutions, while younger adults, parents and higher earners are also particularly motivated to make changes.
Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, says the new year often brings a sense of financial optimism. She said: “It’s the time of year where optimism is running high. We don’t need to be the person we were last year: we can be a shiny new version of ourselves. Sadly, that positive outlook doesn’t always last, which is why it’s worth taking steps to make these pledges stick.”
Who is most likely to make resolutions?
Parents are especially likely to set financial goals, often driven by the strain of balancing everyday costs with saving for the future. With little left over at the end of the month, many are keen to improve resilience and avoid neglecting long-term needs such as pensions.
Women are more likely than men to focus on saving more and spending less, possibly reflecting lower average incomes and fewer financial buffers.
Higher earners are also more resolution-focused, often looking to make their money work harder through investing or pension saving. However, they may also carry larger debts and face higher expectations for their retirement lifestyle.
Younger adults are the most likely of all to make financial resolutions. When you’re starting out, there are more gaps to close – and small steps taken early can make a big difference over time.
Five ways to make financial resolutions stick
Be specific
Vague goals rarely work. Identify exactly what you want to change and where.
Pay yourself first
Move money into savings, investments or a pension as soon as you’re paid, rather than relying on leftovers.
Automate it
Direct debits remove the need for willpower and help turn intentions into habits.
Free up the cash
Review spending and make specific cuts to fund new financial habits.
Put it in the diary
For one-off jobs like making a will, setting a date makes action far more likely.
Financial resolutions don’t need to be dramatic to be effective. Often, it’s small, well-planned changes that quietly add up over the year ahead.
Getting your money back on track – for you and the planet
If one of your resolutions is to improve your finances, switching to providers that align with your values can be a simple place to start. All of the companies below are Good Eggs, meaning they’ve been independently assessed to show they deliver positive outcomes for both your pocket and the planet.
- Banking and savings: Triodos Bank, Unity Trust Bank and Ecology Building Society focus on lending that supports social and environmental good, rather than harmful industries.
- Pensions and investing: PensionBee can help bring old pensions together, while Thrive Renewables offers a way to invest directly in clean energy projects.
- Financial planning: Path Financial, Switchfoot Wealth and EQ Investors all offer values-led financial planning, helping people align pensions, investments and long-term goals with their principles.
You don’t need to change everything at once. One switch, one conversation or one better-aligned decision can be enough to get your money – and your impact – back on track.
