Brits prioritize their finances in 2025 as two-fifths pledge to make a financial New Year’s resolution

As the year draws to a close and people across the UK are considering their New Year's resolutions, financial goals remain top of mind for many.

Just over two-fifths (43%) of UK adults are planning to set financial goals in 2025 – this is second after health and fitness resolutions (46%), according to research from the Investment Association. Personal finances were of similar importance to men and women, with both equally likely to make a financial resolution.

Notably, younger people aged 18-34 years are three times more likely (64% - almost a third, 32%, were highly likely) to make a financial resolution, in comparison to those over 55 (21%). This younger cohort have decided to prioritise their financial goals over resolutions related to relationships and family (58%), and adventure and travel (58%).

Looking more closely at people’s financial goals, the top priority for just over half of UK adults (53%) was to increase their savings, followed by a third who wanted to improve their budgeting. However, nearly one in five (18%) also plan to invest regularly. Almost a quarter (23%) aim to invest between £201 and £500 each month. For those aged 18-34 years, investing regularly received the third highest number of votes as (12%) the top priority, after growing savings (27%) and paying off debt (14%).

However, even investing £50 a month can make a difference over time. ‘If you invested £50 a month over the last 5 years (investing a total of £3000 over that period) in a Global equity fund, the value of that investment would be over £3,700 - a return of 23%. 

Among those planning to invest regularly in 2025, the main goals are saving for retirement and building a rainy-day fund (both 30%, respectively). Saving for future care in old age is also a significant objective, highlighted by over a quarter (26%) of respondents.

Commenting on the findings, Miranda Seath, Director for Market Insights at the Investment Association said: “It is great to see so many people prioritising their financial goals in the New Year, especially younger people. With the cost-of-living continuing to impact many households, building financial resilience is clearly a priority, with the majority looking to boost their savings and focus on better budgeting. For those who can look towards the longer term, it is positive to see a significant number of people planning to invest on a regular basis.

“Younger investors are the most likely of any age group to want to set a financial goal in 2025. With long-term investment horizons, they have the most to gain from investing and the benefits of compound interest as they look to improve their financial futures. As with most goals, getting into the habit of investing just £50 a month can deliver results over the long-term, and with prospective investors aiming to invest between £200 and £500, this could make a real difference.”

Notes to Editors

• Polling conducted by Opinium Research of 2,000 UK adults (results are weighted to be nationally representative where relevant). The polling was conducted between 15-19 November 2024.