New year, new you? If you’re part of the 52% of Americans planning to make finance-related resolutions for 2025, this is your time to shine. If you're looking to pad your wallet, WalletHub has the ultimate guide to making 2025 your most financially fit year yet. From budgeting basics to saving strategies, here are some top tips the WalletHub experts recommend for owning your financial goals—and actually sticking to them.
Build a budget you can stick to
We’re heading into 2025 with over $1.3 trillion in credit card debt. If you want to break the cycle, it’s time to build a budget. WalletHub recommends syncing your credit cards and checking accounts with a budgeting app, tracking where your money goes and cut back where it hurts the least. Check in with your budget weekly to stay on track-consistent efforts make a big difference.
Make your savings work for you
With interest rates on the rise, it’s time to find a savings account that gives you a serious return. Look for online savings accounts with APYs around 3.90% and high-yield savings or CDs offering over 5% annual returns. Start shopping around for the best accounts and let your money grow while you sleep.
Build your rainy-day fund
An emergency fund isn’t just a financial safety net—it’s your ticket to peace of mind. If the past few years taught us anything, it’s that life can throw some serious curveballs. Aim to save 12–18 months of take-home income. Start small with two months’ pay to kick things off, then automate monthly transfers from checking to savings, and watch that safety net grow without having to think about it.
Pay bills like a pro
To keep your credit score in the clear, pay your bills ASAP after payday. It’s the easiest way to avoid late fees, keep your credit utilization low and dodge unnecessary interest. Set up two automatic payments per month: one post-paycheck and another before your billing cycle ends. Pay early and rest easy.
Prioritize physical and financial health
Money stress is real, and it’s tied directly to your physical well-being. The average person drops nearly $13,800 annually on health care, so staying healthy can save you serious cash. Plus, regular exercise is linked to better credit scores. Invest in healthy habits to cut health care costs and tackle financial stress by getting your money in order. Financial fitness and physical fitness go hand in hand, and both pay off big time.
These are just some of the resolutions WalletHub recommends. Find the full list with how-tos here, and kick off your 2025 with dollar signs in your eyes.
15 Financial Resolutions for 2025
- Make a realistic budget & stick to it
- Get a 5%+ return on your cash
- Save more money
- Explore ways to refinance high interest rates
- Repay 25% of your credit card debt
- Use different credit cards for everyday purchases & debt
- Fight back against inflation
- Pay bills right after getting your paycheck
- Protect your identity
- Focus on physical health, given its strong connection to financial health
- Look for a better job
- Make sure you have enough insurance for a catastrophe
- Get an A in financial literacy
- Improve your WalletScore
- Join a credit union