Our new year resolutions for 2025 – Your Jane Smith Financial update

With the festive season well and truly upon us, your thoughts might be turning to the calm of Boxing Day afternoon or even to the start of the new year.

As 2024 draws to a close, many of us will be reflecting on the past 12 months and looking ahead to 2025.

You might be setting some goals for the year ahead, challenging yourself to try something new, or even returning to an old hobby. Increasingly, Brits are steering clear of new year resolutions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make lifestyle changes or adopt routines that you hope to turn into positive habits.

At Jane Smith Financial Planning, we’ll be doing just that.

Keep reading for your look at our individual plans for 2025, our goals and resolutions, and some of our top tips for making your new year a successful one, whatever you set out to achieve.

Lauren focuses on the things that make her happy

“I don’t make new year resolutions, as such.

“Instead, I try to start the year saying that I’m going to do things that make me happy. I find that usually works.

“My top tip would be to make sure that your goals are realistic.

“Life is busy, and things can get in the way of even the simplest goal so think about the types of things you can achieve and start there. If you find that you exceed your target, that’s a pleasant surprise.

“It’s easy to do things that make you happy, so maybe start by making a list!”

Roxanne has her sights set on 2026

“I don’t have a new year resolution, but I do have an important savings goal on the horizon… My honeymoon in 2026!

“I’m not thinking of it as a resolution, but I intend to set myself a huge savings challenge, with a definite amount to aim for. With my dream honeymoon as the goal, I absolutely can’t fail.

“I have an overall target, but I plan to split that up into smaller mini-goals that will build up over time. Being realistic about how much I can afford to put away, and sticking to these amounts, should help my regular saving become a habit. After a while, I hope I won’t even miss the money I put aside.

“Over time, though, it’ll all add up.”

Leanne will be trying new things in 2025

“My goal for 2025 is to try one new thing each month.

“It could be anything, from learning a skill or planning an event to doing an activity I’ve never done before.

“Once I commit, I’m pretty good at sticking to things, so I’m already brainstorming ideas!

“I’ll probably create a list or even a jar to pick from for some added fun.

“Giving myself a monthly goal within an overarching plan means I can enjoy a series of small wins. As I complete each mini-goal, I’ll have a regular psychological boost throughout the year. Like 12 mini-resolutions in one!”

Jo is focusing on Jo this year

“I don’t typically set new year resolutions, but I do like to mark the ending of one year and the start of the next.

“This year, I want to focus on making more time for myself.

“I have a lovely life, but I often feel like I’m constantly busy and forever chasing my tail. Between being a part-time business assistant, a mum, a wife, a daughter to elderly parents, and managing not one but two side hustles, life can get overwhelming.

“Next year, I want to carve out some time just for me. That might be through mindfulness, yoga, or something else that brings me joy that I haven’t even thought of yet!

“If I had to give a top tip for setting yourself new year goals, I think it would be to acknowledge that setbacks might happen, while accepting these as part of the journey and as opportunities to make you stronger.

“That way, whatever a new year brings, you’ll be mentally prepared and have the mechanisms in place to cope.”

Amy has made peace with not setting herself new year resolutions

“I don’t do new year resolutions but this year my goal is to be ok with that.

“New year resolutions, and even new year goals and challenges, aren’t for everyone. I think accepting that can be a win in itself.”

Nicola has to have a goal to stay focused

“I find the most general, and often the most popular new year resolutions, like losing weight or getting fitter, don’t work.

“I have to have a goal or a focus that keeps me motivated. So, last year, it was working with a personal trainer to get me prepped for my Kilimanjaro trek.

“That was a really challenging target but knowing I was doing it for such a great cause helped me to maintain my focus.

“Sharing my goal with family and friends, or even with a chosen charity, gives me accountability. Being answerable to someone helps to keep me motivated and it’s a technique I’ll be using over the next 12 months as I set myself a challenge for 2025.

“I plan to walk 12 one-day marathons in 2025. And now that I’ve told you all, I’ll have to go through with it!”

Get in touch

If you’re looking to make some financial resolutions in 2025, look no further than Jane Smith Financial Planning. Our team of expert and independent financial advisers have been helping clients in Milton Keynes or Olney for 30 years.

Contact us at info@janesmithfinancial.com or call 01234 713131 to see what we can do for you.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

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