The New Year's Resolutions Survey by comparison site Gocompare.com reveals that financial affairs top the nation's resolutions list, with 49% of people hoping to use the start of the New Year to turn over a new leaf and get a grip on their finances.
It is the first time since the ‘credit crunch' and the start of the recession in 2008 that financial affairs have topped the nation's list of resolutions.
Health and fitness resolutions, which have topped the poll for the last two years, have been relegated to second and third spot, with 46% of people resolving to get fitter and 45% looking to slim down their waistlines.
The poll of 3,000 adults reveals that 54% of Brits are planning to make resolutions this year. While 62% will do so out of tradition or habit, 46% genuinely want to change their behaviour in 2012. But, these people will have an Olympian struggle in 2012 - typically 86% of resolutions fail within six months and 41% will be broken before the end of January.
Reducing outgoings (40%) tops the list of financial-related resolutions followed by paying-off debt (35%), saving money in a deposit account (25%), investing in the stock market (12%) and saving more into a pension (10%).
John Miles, Gocompare.com's business development director, commented, "Traditionally New Year is a time to reflect on the changes we want, or need, to make in our lives. Perhaps unsurprisingly, sorting out finances and reducing outgoings top the list for the first time since 2008.
“And unlike some of the health and lifestyle resolutions, there are several easy, practical steps people can take to make a real change to their finances in 2012.”
