At the end of each year, consumers tend to experience this sort of collective hangover. This icky feeling that they’ve overdone it. This isn’t a typical hangover, though. Instead, it’s the result of overconsumption. To cope, many people may resolve to do better in the new year. They set resolutions to eat healthier, work out more and spend less money. The problem is, resolutions are hard to stick to, and data shows most people struggle to stay the course.

According to a new study conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Origin, a leading personal finance app, by the end of February, most people may have already given up on their New Year’s resolutions. In fact, when asked, 49% of Americans who set a resolution in 2024 said they abandoned it by the end of February, with 40% of people having done so in January. What’s worse, once people fall off the wagon, many struggle to get back on. By the end of the year, 70% of Americans who set a 2024 New Year's resolution abandoned it altogether. This number jumps to 89% for Gen Z (ages 18-28) and 74% for millennials (ages 29-44). 

New year, new resolutions

This year, 85% of Americans set a New Year’s resolution. Three-quarters (75%) say they resolve to improve their finances in some way, most commonly, Americans aim to increase their income (36%). This is especially common among younger generations. More than half (51%) of Gen Z and millennials resolve to bring in more money in 2025. 

In addition to increasing their income in the new year, many Americans focused their resolutions on things like, sticking to a budget or paying down/off debt (33% each), saving for a specific goal (27%) and improving their credit (26%). Altogether, it appears consumers are attempting to reign in spending, increase their savings and chip away at mounting debt, especially as interest rates remain high. 

Here’s what Tyler Horn, head of planning at Origin has to say about these trends:

“I’m not surprised to see so many people set goals to increase their income this year. There’s been a lot of talk about wages not keeping pace with inflation, which is likely driving more people to seek additional streams of income. Looking ahead, I imagine we’ll see an uptick in side hustles and content creators as people look for new ways to earn money. Remember, as your income goes up, it’s important to refactor your budget to account for the new influx of cash. Make sure to adjust how much you’re allocating towards saving and paying down debts.”

Old habits die hard

So far, in the first month of the year, 41% of Americans who set 2025 resolutions have abandoned them and nearly a quarter (23%) have given up on those related to their finances. There are likely a number of contributing factors at play. First, new habits are hard to form. Plus, with growing trends like doom spending, where consumers overspend to cope with feelings of uncertainty, and money dysmorphia, where major financial milestones feel so out of reach that people opt out of them altogether, it’s easy for consumers to stray from their financial goals.

To help consumers get back on track with their New Year’s resolutions, Tyler offers the following tips: 

• Check in. Now that we’re one month into the year, check in on your initial goals and make adjustments as needed. Ask yourself, does this still feel realistic? How can I adjust this goal to be more attainable? 

• Start small. Begin with a manageable version of your habit. For example, if you want to start budgeting, maybe focus on one aspect of your spending, like dining out. Instead of tackling all aspects of your spending. 

• Be consistent. Attach your new habit to an existing routine or set time of the day, week or month. For instance, set a date once a week to go over your spending for the week and make a plan for the week ahead. 

• Track your progress. Using an app or tool can help you stay on top of your progress and allow you to monitor your consistency. This can help keep you motivated and hold you accountable.  

• Celebrate wins. It’s important to reward yourself for sticking to your financial resolution, even in small ways. This kind of positive reinforcement can help keep you motivated.

For consumers who have fallen behind on their financial resolutions in 2025, try Origin today. Origin helps consumers achieve their financial goals, serving as a trusted advisor. To start budgeting, saving money and building wealth, download the app today.

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