Just over half (54%) of U.S. consumers plan to make a financial resolution for 2025, according to a new national survey conducted by Discover® Personal Loans. The top financial resolutions in America are to save more in general (42%), earn more (35%), spend less (35%), improve credit scores (27%), build a fund emergency (26%) and to reimburse. or consolidate debts (21%).

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According to a new national survey from Discover® Personal Loans, 54% of U.S. consumers plan to make a financial resolution in 2025. Top resolutions include saving more overall, earning more, spending less, improving your credit score credit, build an emergency fund, and repay or consolidate debts. (Graphic: Business Wire)

At the same time, almost all Americans (94%) say they anticipate at least one challenge that could prevent them from achieving their financial resolutions. The top challenges cited as potential blockers include inflation (47%), unexpected expenses (39%), state of the economy (38%), daily expenses (37%), current income level ( 32%) and existing personal debt (27%).

“I encourage those planning financial resolutions to take steps now to position themselves to achieve their goals in the coming year,” said Dan Nickele, vice president of Discover Personal Loans. “Think, for example, of creating a monthly budget that helps you save. more or spend less; and setting up automatic transfers to a high-yield savings account to establish an emergency fund. Additionally, the interest rate outlook may give you the opportunity to refinance higher rate debt. If you want to explore debt consolidation options, it’s a good idea to research and compare lenders that offer a great interest rate with no origination fees or prepayment penalties.

Conversely, 46% of Americans are not considering making a financial resolution. Many say it’s because they don’t like making New Year’s resolutions (35%) or are happy with their current financial situation (30%). Other reasons Americans said they choose not to make a financial resolution include that thinking about finances causes them stress and anxiety (21%), that they are not ready to change (15%) and they don’t know where to start (14%).

“It’s encouraging to see that so many Americans have a strong interest in improving their personal financial situation in 2025. Even if you don’t make a specific resolution, I would recommend taking a small step to get started on the path to a brighter financial situation. the future – whether that’s saving for a specific goal or creating an action plan to manage your existing debts,” Nickele adds.

The survey also finds that a majority of Americans are cautiously optimistic about their personal finances in the coming year, with most saying they expect their situation to remain the same (45%) or even improves (36%). Younger generations are even more optimistic; 44% of Gen Z and 45% of Millennials expect their financial situation to improve in 2025.

2024 budget actions compared to 2025 budget plans

Budget actions 2024

Nearly a quarter (22%) of U.S. consumers created a budget in 2024 and stuck to it, which they say made them feel accomplished (46%), prepared for the unexpected (38% ), safe (38%), relieved (37%) and confident (36%).

Fourteen percent of Americans have created a budget but have been unable to stick to it due to unexpected expenses (45%), inflation (34%), not having enough money to set aside or saving (32%), feeling burdened by debt (25%). %) and unexpected life events (25%).

Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds (64%) of Americans say they didn’t create a budget in 2024, mainly because they didn’t want or need one (57%). Other reasons consumers say they haven’t budgeted include that previous attempts weren’t successful (24%), it seemed too difficult (19%), and they didn’t know which method to use (19%).

2025 budget plans

Just over half (52%) of Americans say they plan to take at least one budget action in 2025, which involves working toward a specific financial goal (51%), following a strategy specific budget (29%), to use an application or a spreadsheet. (28%) and working with an advisor or financial planner (20%). Meanwhile, 25% of Americans don’t plan to budget for 2025, and 23% don’t have a specific plan but say they will try to find out generally where their money will be allocated in 2025.

“I recommend consumers research common budgeting methods to help them decide which option they are most likely to stick with,” Nickele said. “For consumers who don’t plan to use a budget next year, I encourage them to prepare financially for the unexpected and to learn more about options for managing any existing debt.

Discover Personal Loans offers numerous resources to help consumers learn more about managing debt, financing major expenses, and achieving their financial goals. A personal loan calculator can help consumers find a loan term that works for their individual situation, and a debt consolidation calculator can help consumers see what they could potentially save if they consolidated their debt at interest rates. Higher interest with a personal loan.

About the survey

This poll was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of Discover between November 8 and 10, 2024, among a weighted national American sample of 2,201 adults. The interviews were conducted online. Results have a margin of error of +/- 2 percentage points.

About Discover

Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a digital banking and payments company with one of the most recognized brands in financial services in the United States. Since its founding in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The Company issues the Discover® Card, America’s pioneer in cash rewards, and offers personal loans, home loans, checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit through its banking operations. It operates the Discover Global Network® consisting of Discover Network, with millions of merchants and cash access points; PULSE®, one of the nation’s leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International®, a global payment network accepted worldwide. For more information, visit

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