Early Planning Leads to Resolution Success

Why You Should Start Planning Financial new Year's Resolutions Now

First Published November 2025

As the year winds down and the hustle of the holidays begins to fade, many of us start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. While it might feel early, now is actually one of the smartest times to lock in financial goals.

According to a recent Fidelity Investments study, people who achieved their financial resolutions in previous years most often credited clear, realistic, and measurable goals as the key to their success. Planning ahead gives you a real advantage, providing time to fine-tune your goals to what you want, break them into manageable steps, and go into the new year with clarity, not just a vague hope.

A survey by Ipsos also found that nearly all of those planning resolutions for 2026 are already thinking about money. Among them, the most popular goals are saving more money, spending less or cutting expenses, and improving credit scores or paying off debt.

And despite the common belief that New Year’s resolutions are fleeting, people are feeling more confident. In that same survey, one‐third of respondents say they’re very confident they’ll hit their financial targets, and over half are somewhat confident.

However, it’s no secret that many New Year’s resolutions don’t last. Studies suggest that around 80% of resolutions fail by mid-February. But the good news is that planning in advance can drastically improve your odds. Fidelity’s research highlights that people who succeed don’t just randomly pick a goal, they put structure in place. That's a big contrast with resolutions made on a whim, which often fizzle out.

Planning your financial resolutions now offers several advantages that can significantly boost your chances of success. Early preparation gives you clarity by helping transform vague intentions, like simply wanting to “save more”, into specific and measurable goals that outline how much you want to save and by when. It also builds accountability, allowing you to schedule check-ins, track your progress, and make adjustments as needed. Starting ahead of the new year provides a psychological edge as well, giving you momentum and confidence before the calendar even turns. And with that added time, you gain flexibility, making it easier to course correct or refine your goals before you fully commit to them.

Having financial goals isn’t just about money, it benefits your mental well-being too. People report feeling more in control, more confident, and less stressed when they know exactly what they’re working toward.

Common Financial Resolutions to Consider

• Build or strengthen an emergency fund (e.g., 3–6 months of expenses)

• Pay off high-interest debt (credit cards, loans)

• Improve your credit score through consistent on-time payments

• Start or ramp up investing, retirement savings, or side-income streams

• Track and reduce discretionary spending

• Create (or update) a written financial plan to map short- and long-term goals

While New Year’s is a symbolic time for change, real success comes from preparation, not just a midnight vow. Planning your financial resolutions now gives you direction, accountability, and a much better shot at actually achieving your goals. In short, don’t wait until January 1. Start mapping out your financial future today and make 2026 the year your resolutions stick.