Personal Finances are top of mind for many households as they get set to ring in the new year.
About 38% of Americans ranked financial stability as their No. 1 focus area for 2025, according to a recent Allianz Life survey.
CNBC reached out to certified financial planners on its Financial Advisor Council to list their top resolutions for households as they look ahead to the coming year.
- Create and stick to your budget! Max out on retirement contributions and create one personal financial goal such as paying off credit cards or investing an additional $100 a month in an investment account - Kamila Elliott, Co-founder and CEO of Collective Wealth Partners
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It starts and ends with knowing where the money is going. People should track their spending for a period of time, maybe going back to three months’ worth of credit card and Apple Pay payments. It’s incredible what behaviors will change once people just know the truth - Barry Glassman, Founder and president of Glassman Wealth Services
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Estate Planning. It’s important for everyone to address — even for an 18-year-old heading off to college in Fall 2025. I had my daughter complete a health care and financial power of attorney before I sent her off to college. If people feel overwhelmed with the estate planning process, I remind people that it’s a process. Start with a financial and health care power of attorney. You can then focus on beneficiary designations. Next, a will and trust, if the trust is appropriate for your situation. This process also helps individuals track down retirement plans from former employers. Estate planning is a wonderful opportunity to revisit life insurance as well - Marguerita Cheng, CEO of Blue Ocean Global Wealth
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It’s not a popular subject but take the time review all your insurance coverages. Spend some time reviewing your tax strategies and retirement planning. Finally, review your cash flow - Lee Baker, founder, owner and president of Claris Financial Advisors
- Stay invested, automate savings and manage overspending by increasing your income or decreasing your expenses - Cathy Curtis, founder and CEO of Curtis Financial Planning