As the new year begins, it’s usually the time we start to think about what we want to do, or achieve, over the year ahead, and make some resolutions. Perhaps it’s to lose weight, quit smoking, or even save money – but if what we want is vague, it’s less likely to happen. Indeed, studies that fewer than 25% of people actually stay committed to their resolutions after just 30 days and only 8% accomplish them.
However, for those who have clear goals, particularly when it comes to finances, it is revealed that the average North Carolinian plans to save $9,309 (which would be $776 per month) in 2023. That is according to a survey of 3,500 Americans by real time coupon and deals discovery engine, CouponBirds. This compares to a national average savings goal of $8,082.
The state which is setting itself the highest goal is Nebraska, aiming for $16,093 of savings next year. North Dakotans have set themselves the lowest goal, at just $1,565.
The survey also found that saving money is the resolution most people are likely to make at the start of the new year (28% of us said we wanted to). This was followed by exercising more (24%), quitting smoking (20%), meeting new people and getting out more (12%), losing weight (8%), reducing alcohol intake (4%), and learning a new skill (4%).
But when asked how confident they are of hitting their new year savings goal, less than half (39%) say they are confident of doing so! Well, that hardly bodes well – you have to believe in yourself. When asked whether they set their savings goals independently, or with their partner, surprisingly half (50%) said they do it on their own.
56% of people say 2023’s savings goal will be adjusted (lower) due to inflation, and 64% say that they keep a closer watch on their partner’s spending habits in times of high inflation. 51% say they avoid talking about money with their partner altogether, because, inevitably, it can lead to arguments.
What do you plan on saving this year?