While the majority of Americans aren’t making New Year’s resolutions, many of those who are making them are looking to make changes to their financial habits and their physical health.
31% of Americans will be making New Year’s resolutions or setting goals for 2025. The majority (58%) of adults under 30 will be making resolutions; only 24% of older Americans will be doing so. Adults 65 and older are especially unlikely to make resolutions: Just 14% plan to do so.
The data indicates a shift in the trends of making New Year’s resolutions among different age groups in America. For those aged 30 to 44, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of individuals planning to make resolutions, dropping from 44% in December 2023 to 29%. Conversely, adults under 30 have shown a slight increase in their intention to make resolutions, rising from 52% to 58% during the same period.
Looking at ethnic groups, Hispanic Americans are more inclined to make New Year’s resolutions for 2025, with 47% planning to do so, compared to 38% of Black Americans and 27% of white Americans. The most common resolution across the board for 2025 is saving more money, a goal for 26% of all Americans. This is followed by resolutions to improve physical health, exercise more, be happier, and eat healthier, each ranging from 20% to 22%.
Interestingly, saving more money was also the leading resolution for 2024, with 23% of Americans committing to it. A follow-up survey in March 2024 showed that 16% of those who aimed to save more money had fully adhered to this resolution, while 57% had mostly adhered to it.
Focusing on specific age groups, among adults under 30, saving more money and improving physical health are the top resolutions. For those aged 30 to 44, saving more money and improving mental health are the primary goals. People aged 45 to 64 are most focused on enhancing physical health and eating healthier. Although a significant 79% of adults aged 65 and older do not plan to make resolutions, those who do are mainly interested in improving physical health and exercising more.
Overall, 40% of Americans who plan to set a goal for 2025 believe they are very likely to maintain it throughout the year, and 50% think it is somewhat likely they will succeed. Only 5% are doubtful about keeping their resolutions, and 2% are certain they will not.