Discover Survey: Save More, Earn More and Spend Less Are Top Financial Resolutions in 2025 for US Consumers | 11.12.24

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

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According to a new national survey from Discover® Personal Loans, 54% of US consumers plan to make a financial resolution in 2025. The top resolutions are to save more overall, earn more, spend less, improve scores of credit, build an emergency fund, and pay off or consolidate debt. (Graph: Business Wire)

Meanwhile, nearly all Americans (94%) say they anticipate at least one challenge that may prevent them from reaching their financial resolutions. Top challenges cited as potential blockers include inflation (47%), unexpected expenses (39%), state of the economy (38%), daily expenses (37%), current level of income (32%) and existing personal debt (27%) .

“I encourage those planning financial resolutions to take action now to position themselves to achieve their goals in the coming year,” said Dan Nickele, vice president, Discover Personal Loans. “Think, for example, of creating a monthly budget to help you save. spend more or spend less; and setting up automatic transfers to a high-yield savings account to build an emergency fund. Also, the interest rate outlook can give you the opportunity to refinance your debt at a higher rate. If you’re interested in exploring 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.”

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

“It’s heartening 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’d recommend taking any small step to get on the path to a better financial situation . future – whether it’s saving for a specific goal or creating a game plan to manage your existing debt,” adds Nickele.

The survey also found that most Americans have a cautious sense of optimism about their personal finances for the year ahead, with most saying they expect their situation to stay the same (45%) or even improve (36%). Younger generations are even more optimistic; 44% of Gen Zers and 45% of Millennials expect their financial situation to improve in 2025.

2024 budget actions vs. 2025 budget plans

2024 budget actions

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

Fourteen percent of Americans created a budget but were unable to stick to it due to unexpected expenses (45%), inflation (34%), lack of money to set aside or save (32%), feeling -you are overwhelmed by debt (25%). %) and unexpected life events (25%).

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

Budget plans 2025

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

“I recommend that consumers research common budgeting methods to help them choose an 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 about options for managing any existing debt.”

Discover Personal Loans has many resources available to help consumers learn about debt management, financing major expenses and reaching their financial goals. A personal loan calculator can help consumers find a loan term that’s right for their individual situation, and a debt consolidation calculator can help consumers see what they could save by consolidating higher-interest debt with a personal loan .

About the Survey

This survey was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of Discover November 8-10, 2024, among a weighted US national 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 US financial services. 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 business. It operates the Discover Global Network® comprised of the Discover Network, with millions of merchants and cash access locations; PULSE®, one of the leading ATM/debit networks in the country; and Diners Club International®, a global payment network with worldwide acceptance. For more information, visit

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