By Kimble Schiller
Every new year starts with people around the world making promises to themselves–promises to be better, fitter, more responsible.
Maybe you’re different–after all, not everyone subscribes to the idea of grand changes to start the new year. Even if you think the whole “new year, new me” maxim is full of shiny, unfulfilled promises, January is still as good a time as any to sit down and take a hard look at your finances, and then to figure out where you need to go moving forward.
Financial resolutions don’t just widen your wallet, but secure your future and allow you the freedom and self-sufficiency to build the life you want. Whether you’re saving just a little each month or tackling big debt, no step is too small.
Of course, everyone will have their own goals and resolutions, but these are just some ideas to get you started:
Financial Resolutions to Crush 2026
- Get Literate. There have never been more resources out there about financial literacy, and if you’re looking for somewhere to start, the Office of Financial Aid and Emory Financial Literacy offers free access for Emory University students to the newly updated CashCourse!
- Track your spending for 30 days. Giving yourself a period of time makes this goal easier and more actionable; for a month, meticulously review where your money goes. Identify patterns, leaks, and changes you want to make in your habits.
- Make saving automatic. Set up an automatic transfer to a savings account and your brokerage account (if you have one) each payday. By treating savings like a bill, you remove the temptation to spend the money before you’ve paid yourself. Even amounts as small as $10 add up to a huge difference!
- Build an Emergency Fund. The saying goes to prepare for the worst and hope for the best; unsurprisingly, this applies to your finances. Aim to build a fund that can cover 3-6 months of living expenses, should the worst happen. Start small, and as said above, automate the process if you don’t trust yourself to do it manually (or even if you do, and just want to take yourself out of it).
- Review Your Credit and Debt. Debt is nothing to be ashamed of–especially as students, we often take on loans to finance our education. However, it’s good to get an idea of exactly where you stand. Alongside your spending and savings, take some time this year to review the status of your loans, debt, and credit cards. Review your loan servicer(s) and be sure your contact information is up to date with them.
- Take Advantage of Financial Resources. If you’re looking to become more financially literate, but are unsure where to start, you’re already in the best place! Emory’s Office of Financial Literacy provides workshops, peer programs, and one-on-one support to help take the stress and confusion out of finances to the best of our ability. Check our social media to see our peer mentors’ office hours, and drop by! We’d love to help you build a brighter financial future this year.
These all sound simple enough, but remember: How many times have you or someone you know made a goal that sounds like:
- “I’m going to run four marathons this year… even though I barely ran last year.”
- “I’m going to cut out all sugar and processed food.”
- “I’m going to lose weight (with no plan for going about it).
It’s not that these are bad goals, but they often fall apart. Why? Because they’re either vague, unrealistic, or both. Goals work when they’re simple, actionable, and customized to respect the life you’re already living. After all, the brain loves habits–but it’s up to you to add the good ones and wean off the bad ones.
Above all, remember to stay flexible and keep moving forward! One of the worst things for your New Year’s resolutions is an all-or-nothing mindset. As Mike Tyson put it: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” When life throws you a curveball–and it will–the most important thing is being able to adapt and alter your plan. If you get a little thrown off or need to shift your financial goals, that’s okay! What’s important is steady progress, mindfulness with regards to your money, and commitment to your overall vision.
Here’s to a fortunate new year ahead!