Re-evaluating Resolutions

Daily Stat | January 31, 2013 | Topics: Investing for Income 

41%: Americans who didn't keep their 2012 resolution, for even part of the year

One month down, are you sticking to your 2013 resolutions? According to a Marist poll, only 59% of Americans kept their 2012 resolution for at least part of the year. There are several possible reasons for this, such as overconfidence or persistent old habits.

If you've resolved to increase your savings, consider ways to make it automatic. Try setting up regular transfers from your checking account to a savings or investment account. Also, if you have a 401(k), ask your employer whether "auto-escalation" is available. You can use this feature to adjust your future savings rate automatically, rather than needing to manually change it each year.

Source: Marist Institute for Public Opinion, December 2012

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