As we welcome 2025, many of us are setting goals to improve our health, relationships, and careers. But let’s be honest—how many times have we promised to hit the gym only to become regulars at Netflix marathons instead? Unlike your New Year’s fitness goals, your financial resolutions don’t have to involve spandex or sweat.
Creating financial resolutions can set you up for long-term success, whether you’re saving for a big milestone, paying down debt, or planning for retirement. Here are four key financial resolutions to consider this year—plus some practical tips (and a dash of humor) to help you stick with them.
1. Review and Revamp Your Budget
Think of your budget as the foundation of your financial house. Without it, your money is basically living in a tent—vulnerable to every unexpected storm (or impromptu online shopping spree).
Start by tracking every dollar you spend over the next month. Yes, even that $7 latte that’s become your “little treat.” Look for areas where you can cut back, like unused subscriptions (do you really need four streaming services?) or dining out too often. Then, redirect those savings toward your emergency fund, debt repayment, or investments.
Pro Tip: Budgeting doesn’t have to feel like math class. If it seems overwhelming, ask us about our budgeting service—it’s like having a personal trainer for your finances, minus the burpees.
2. Automate Your Savings
Saving money doesn’t have to feel like cutting carbs—it can actually be painless! Automating your savings is one of the easiest ways to build wealth without lifting a finger (unless you count setting up the transfers).
Set up automatic transfers to a dedicated savings account each payday. Even $50 per paycheck can grow into a nice cushion over time. Want to save for a dream vacation and build an emergency fund? Create separate accounts so you don’t accidentally spend your vacation fund on car repairs.
Why It Works: Automation is like putting your finances on autopilot—except this plane is flying you to Financial Stability Island, not turbulence.
3. Get Serious About Retirement
If you’re within 10 years of retirement, now’s the time to get serious. And by serious, we don’t mean spending hours doom-scrolling retirement calculators. We’re talking about maximizing your 401(k) contributions, taking advantage of catch-up contributions (if you’re 50 or older), and meeting with a financial advisor to fine-tune your strategy.
Think of it like planning a big vacation—you want to make sure you have enough saved for the fun stuff (travel, hobbies) and the not-so-fun stuff (healthcare).
Don’t Forget: Estimating your retirement expenses is crucial. Our in-office retirement planning professional can help, and yes, they’re way more fun to chat with than Google.
4. Build Habits That Stick
New Year’s resolutions have a bad rap for being hard to keep—probably because most involve kale. But financial goals can actually become long-term habits if you start small and keep things realistic.
Focus on one goal at a time. For instance, commit to paying off a specific amount of debt each month or setting aside 15 minutes a week to review your finances. And don’t forget to celebrate your wins—whether it’s paying off a credit card or finally creating a budget. A little positive reinforcement (or a victory coffee) goes a long way.
Need Help? We’re Here for You!
At Paragon Wealth Management, we specialize in helping clients like you create personalized financial plans that actually work. Whether you’re a recently single woman navigating new financial responsibilities, a business owner juggling priorities, or someone gearing up for retirement, we’ve got your back.
Want more financial tips and advice? Follow our blog for updates, or reach out to our team directly. We’d love to help you work toward your goals—and maybe even make the process a little fun.
About Phil Rosenau
As a graduate of Germantown Academy, Phil Rosenau earned his bachelor’s degree in economics at Drew University, while also earning a minor in business management. His passion for creating and maintaining business relationships drove him to join the Prudential Advisors team, where he met Charlie and Ricardo before starting Paragon Wealth together.
Phil is a lifelong resident of Bucks County and the son of a local entrepreneur. He understands the unique needs of small business owners, takes pride in providing his clients with the knowledge to understand their unique financial situation, and helping them navigate their financial future with confidence. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Caroline, and two children, he is the current president of the MDM networking group, and he is active with the local CrossFit community. Phil is also proud to be part of the Drew University Lacrosse Legacy where he played all four years. You can find Phil here on LinkedIn, or here on Facebook.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Any securities mentioned here are for informational purposes only and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.
Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Great Valley Advisor Group, a Registered Investment Advisor. Paragon Wealth Management and Great Valley Advisor Group are separate entities from LPL Financial.677680-1