And what you can do about it
We’ve all been there. It’s January 1st. You’re feeling optimistic. You’re setting new year resolutions and decide, “This is the year I’ll get on top of our money!” So you set a strict budget. You swear off takeaway. You create a complicated spreadsheet. You commit to saving half your income.
– Then… life happens.
The back-to-school costs hit hard. You forget to cancel a subscription. You get bored of meal prepping. And before you know it, the shiny new budget is collecting digital dust. It ends up forgotten somewhere between your inbox and your good intentions.
Why it doesn’t stick
The idea of a “New Year, New Budget” sounds productive, but it often sets us up to fail. It usually:
• Relies on all-or-nothing thinking
• Doesn’t reflect your real lifestyle or expenses
• Leaves no room for flexibility when life changes unexpectedly
What to do instead
Skip the pressure-filled new years resolutions. Try gentle money habits that will grow with you over time.
Start small. Pick one area to focus on. It could be reducing Uber Eats orders. It might be opening a high-interest savings account at last. Build that habit slowly. Add another once the first one feels easy.
Here’s a better game plan:
Audit before you act.
Download the last couple of months of bank statements. Highlight your spending habits. Look at where your money is actually going. Then think about quick wins, easy changes you can make that will have an impact.
Set real goals.
Avoid vague goals like “Save more.” Choose goals that are clear and achievable. For example, “Transfer 50 dollars into my savings acccount each week.”
Automate where you can.
Set up direct debits for your savings. This helps the habit stick without relying on memory or willpower.
Progress beats perfection
There’s no prize for having the prettiest spreadsheet. The goal is to feel confident and in control. You do not need to feel restricted or exhausted by February. Skip the January guilt and give yourself financial habits that genuinely work.
Jo and Carl Violeta are self-confessed numbers nerds, parents of an energetic toddler and a super switched-on teenager, and co-founders of the award-winning business, Violeta Finance. They are a husband and wife team who are passionate about empowering their community with financial education, love the odd glass of wine, and get a kick out of helping families achieve their homeownership and financial dreams.
www.violetafinance.com.au