As the year draws to a close, it’s that time again—to reflect on how quickly the year flew by and set our sights on the year ahead. With every new year comes an array of goals, ambitions, and aspirations that drive us, instill discipline, and give us purpose. After all, life without purpose is merely time passing by.

Every year, billions around the world make resolutions—pledges to themselves to make the upcoming year different, better, or more meaningful than the last. But what do people typically resolve to change? While it might be easy to guess, let’s delve into the numbers. According to YouGov, the top resolutions globally focus on improving health and enhancing finances.

Let’s explore these resolutions in greater detail.

Health & Fitness: The Timeless Resolution

It might surprise you to learn that India ranks third globally in obesity rates. This highlights a growing need for Indians to prioritise health. Among the most common resolutions is the goal to stay fit—be it through regular exercise, gym memberships, or adopting healthier lifestyles.

Interestingly, only 0.2% of Indians have a gym membership, making those who commit to this resolution part of an exclusive club. Yet, gym memberships consistently spike at the start of the year, fueled by the motivation to start afresh, shed holiday weight, or embrace a healthier routine.

Health-consciousness isn’t limited to workouts alone. Diet also plays a significant role in this resolution. Over 70% of people prioritise making dietary changes, recognising that eating healthy is just as important as physical fitness. From cutting back on junk food to embracing balanced diets, the new year often marks a renewed commitment to overall wellness.

Financial Resolutions: Securing Your Future

Building wealth is another crucial resolution for Indians, with 81% seeking to grow their savings through investments. This focus is particularly significant, considering that only about 25% of Indians have robust savings in place. Establishing an emergency fund is vital as it acts as a financial buffer during unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, job loss, or unexpected expenses.

Here are some ways you can use to steel your financial resolution.

Saving for an Emergency Fund:

Importance

An emergency fund acts as a financial buffer, helping to manage unexpected expenses like medical needs or temporary income loss. Recent data indicates that only 25% of Indian households save for emergencies​. This highlights the importance of having at least 3–6 months of essential expenses set aside to ensure financial stability.

Building an emergency fund can be manageable by starting with small, consistent savings. Tools like budgeting apps (axio iOS Playstore) help track progress and automate deposits, enabling families to gradually create a reserve while maintaining their financial goals.

Why Make a Budget and Stick to It?

With urban households grappling with rising inflation—up by ~6% in recent years​—budgeting has become essential for financial stability. A well-planned budget ensures needs are met, wants are managed, and savings grow sustainably.

Here’s how you can start making a budget:

The most widely adopted method is the 50/30/20 rule: allocate 50% of income to necessities, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings. Tools like budgeting apps (axio app iOS Playstore) can track spending and help optimise finances effortlessly.

By budgeting, families can better handle financial challenges, reduce unnecessary expenses, and achieve long-term goals without compromising their current lifestyle.

Conclusion: Making Resolutions Sustainable

Resolutions are commitments to growth, but making them sustainable requires a steady approach. Start small and build gradually. Whether it's improving health, building savings, or another goal, consistency is key. Transform your resolutions into daily habits for lasting change.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is compiled from various sources and is not to be taken as a substitute for professional advice on managing finances, reader discretion is advised.