More laughter, fewer calories: Almost 15 million Aussies have a resolution for 2024
Aussies are setting themselves up for a promising start in 2024, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,039 respondents revealed 73% of Australians – equivalent to 14.8 million people – have set a New Year's resolution for 2024.
Prioritising a well-rounded routine is a key focus, with 39% vowing to eat healthier, 36% planning to improve their fitness regime and 33% pledging to lose weight.
Self-care is also on the cards, with 19% aspiring to sleep more, 10% intending to incorporate a better work/life balance into their schedule and 8% embracing meditation.
Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said the new year is an opportunity to reflect and set new goals.
"It's a chance to turn a new leaf, and focus on new aspirations – whether that be health, saving money, acquiring new skills, or other pursuits.
"Setting small, achievable goals will set you up for success and can lead to larger aspirations over time."
Travel has ramped up, with 17% setting their sights on jetting overseas and 3% looking forward to moving interstate or overseas.
Career changes are in the plans for some (8%), while others plan to renovate their abode (11%).
Other resolutions for 2024 include breaking free from smoking (6%), quitting vaping (3%), reducing gambling habits (2%) and cutting down on alcohol consumption (2%).
Cooke said the cost of living crunch has added extra pressure on households, with many choosing to prioritise their physical health and mental wellbeing next year.
"Incorporating more sleep into your routine, and aspiring to create a better work/life balance can improve productivity, performance, and overall quality of life.
"Change doesn't happen overnight – choose to celebrate the small wins – a little commitment can go a long way."
The survey found 83% of Australians – equivalent to 16.8 million people – have set a financial goal for 2024.
Saving more money (54%), spending less money (34%) and reducing expenses (21%) are the top financial goals Aussies are bringing with them into the new year.
As expenses rise, 14% will seek to increase their earnings and 13% will aim to build an emergency fund.
Paying down debt is a huge priority for many Australians, with 9% vowing to pay off their credit card, 8% planning to pay off their mortgage, 8% aspiring to pay off their BNPL debt and 7% hoping to pay off other personal debt.
A further 3% plan to stop using BNPL entirely.
Cooke said as many aim to tackle rising expenses, the new year is a good time to focus on positive habits around money management.
"Consider setting a budget, and look for ways to trim expenses by cutting back on unnecessary expenses.
"It can be helpful to keep specific goals in mind such as saving for a holiday, a deposit on a home, or building an emergency fund.
"Having clear goals set in place can help you stay motivated and on track," Cooke said.
| What are your New Year's resolutions for 2024? | |
|---|---|
| Eat more healthily | 39% |
| Improve fitness | 36% |
| Lose weight | 33% |
| Sleep more | 19% |
| Travel overseas | 17% |
| Be more sustainable | 12% |
| Renovate my house | 11% |
| Work less/have a better work/life balance | 10% |
| Start meditating | 8% |
| Change my job | 8% |
| Find love | 7% |
| Quit smoking | 6% |
| Volunteer | 5% |
| Take more risks | 5% |
| Move interstate/overseas | 3% |
| Quit vaping | 3% |
| Quit gambling | 2% |
| Quit drinking | 2% |
| Other | 2% |
| I'm not going to have any resolutions | 27% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,039 respondents, December 2023 |
| What are your top financial goals for 2024? | |
|---|---|
| Save more money | 54% |
| Spend less money | 34% |
| Reduce expenses | 21% |
| Invest more | 18% |
| Find ways to increase my earnings (e.g. second job, get a pay raise, start a business) | 14% |
| Build up an emergency fund | 13% |
| Pay off my credit card | 9% |
| Buy a home | 9% |
| Buy car | 9% |
| Improve my overall financial literacy | 9% |
| Pay off mortgage | 8% |
| Pay off my BNPL debt | 8% |
| Pay off other personal debt (e.g. student loan, personal loan, car loan, etc) | 7% |
| Save for a home deposit | 6% |
| Buy cryptocurrency | 5% |
| Stop using BNPL | 3% |
| Other | 1% |
| I don't have any financial goals for 2023 | 17% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,039 respondents, December 2023 |
For the full list of resolutions, go to https://www.finder.com.au/new-years-resolutions-statistics.
