New Year, New Wealth: A Guide to Financial Resolutions for 2025

Unfortunately, over 80% of resolutions fail by February. Why? Most goals are set without a clear process or an understanding of the habits required to achieve them. That’s where a transformational approach, inspired by James Clear’s Atomic Habits, can make all the difference.

The Atomic Habits Framework for Financial Success

James Clear’s Atomic Habits introduces a simple yet powerful framework for achieving goals: focus on identity, build effective processes, and aim for meaningful outcomes. Let’s explore how this framework can work with your financial resolutions.

1. Identity: Who Do You Want to Be?

Instead of framing resolutions around what you want to do, start with who you want to become. For example, instead of saying, “I want to save more money,” declare, “I want to be someone who is financially empowered.” This subtle shift reinforces habits that align with your identity.

Example: If you identify as a financially savvy individual, you’re more likely to automate your savings, track your credit score, and stick to your spending plan.

2. Process: What Systems Will Get You There?

Good habits are built on repeatable systems. Instead of aiming for a single milestone, create processes that guide consistent behavior.

Example: Set up an automatic transfer to your savings account after every paycheck or schedule monthly check-ins with your financial advisor.

3. Outcome: What Results Will You Achieve?

Define specific, measurable goals that align with your identity and processes. For instance, “I will contribute an additional $10,000 to my retirement fund this year” or “I will pay off my $15,000 credit card balance by December 2025.”

Financial Resolutions for 2025

To help you get started, here are ten actionable financial resolutions organized within the Atomic Habits framework.

Outcome: Define Your Big Financial Goals

1. Set a Clear Spending Plan Create a budget that prioritizes your values. Allocate funds for savings, retirement, and an emergency fund while leaving room for meaningful indulgences. A spending plan isn’t about restriction—it’s about intentionality.
   
2. Boost Retirement Contributions Maximize contributions to your retirement accounts. If your employer offers a 401(k) match, ensure you’re contributing enough to take full advantage.
3. Eliminate Bad Debts Focus on paying off high-interest debts, such as credit card balances. Make a plan to eliminate these liabilities and free up funds for wealth-building.

Process: Build Systems for Long-Term Success

1. Automate Your Savings Automating your savings ensures consistency. Set up recurring transfers to your emergency fund, investment accounts, or other savings goals.
   
2. Monitor Your Credit Score Regularly review your credit report to ensure accuracy and track your progress. Your credit score influences everything from loan approvals to interest rates.
3. Plan Your Tax Strategy Work with a financial advisor to optimize your tax situation. This could include leveraging tax-advantaged accounts, maximizing deductions, or planning for capital gains.

Identity: Adopt the Mindset of Financial Empowerment

1. Stay Educated on Personal Finance Commit to becoming financially literate. Read books and blogs, attend webinars, or consult with a wealth advisor to deepen your understanding of investments, estate planning, and other topics.
   
2. Update Your Estate Plan Help ensure your legacy is protected by maintaining an up-to-date estate plan. Revisit your plan after major life events or annually to reflect changing circumstances.
   
3. Maximize Employee Benefits Take full advantage of your workplace benefits. This may include 401(k) matches, stock options, health savings accounts, and other perks that align with your goals.
4. Schedule a Financial Advisor Check-In Regularly meet with your wealth advisor to review your progress and refine your strategies. An advisor can help you stay accountable and adapt to life’s changes.

Your Roadmap to Financial Success in 2025

Aligning your resolutions with your identity, processes, and desired outcomes can help you reach your financial goals. By adopting this framework and implementing the actionable steps above, you can help turn your 2025 resolutions into meaningful progress.

Set bold goals, build habits that support your identity, and work with a trusted financial advisor to help you stay on track. Here’s to a year of growth, empowerment, and financial freedom!

Zoe is not affiliated with James Clear, or compensated to promote that publication. This blog is not investment advice and should not be relied on for such advice or as a substitute for consultation with professional accounting, tax, legal or financial advisors. The observations of industry trends should not be read as recommendations for stocks or sectors.