Mastering your money: Financial resolutions for the new year

Setting smart goals and resolutions for 2024 can help you achieve greater financial stability, reduce stress, and work towards the future you envision

- Shannon Manuel

AS THE END OF THE YEAR APPROACHES, many of us are reflecting on our financial well-being and the events that led us to our current financial status, and what we can do to get back on track.

Ushering in the new year, it's the perfect time to reflect on our financial well-being and chart a course for financial success. Financial resolutions are a common theme when the new year rolls around or when individuals decide to make a fresh start in their financial lives.

People often make resolutions to save more, spend less, invest wisely, or pay off debt.

While setting these goals is a positive step towards financial well-being, keeping financial resolutions can be incredibly challenging. It's not just a matter of making a promise to yourself; it requires dedication, discipline, and a strategic approach to follow through on these commitments.

Financial resolutions can serve as a road map for your financial journey that help you prioritise your spending, savings, and investments, ensuring that your money is working towards your goals.

We highlight seven of the top financial resolutions and get expert advice on how you can make them a reality.

1 Resolution: "In 2024, I will create and stick to a budget."

Budgeting is no easy feat, but one of the fundamental steps to achieving financial success is creating a viable budget.

"The secret to sticking to a budget is to be realistic. You will only set yourself up for failure if you create a list of impossible goals that don't allow for any kind of enjoyment. If you allocate a portion of your income for pleasure, as well as for possible unforeseen expenses, you'll give yourself the breathing room you need to enjoy your life and survive financial bumps, while still accomplishing your goals,' says James Williams, Head of Marketing at Wonga.