Saving cash rather than losing weight tops New Years resolutions for 2012

Despite a quarter of the nation being officially classified as obese, it’s actually our finances which need slimming down more than anything else.

Saving more cash and generally wanting to be being better with money weighs heavily on people’s minds as the issue takes this year’s number one spot on the 2012 New Year’s resolution list.

According to research by a leading price comparison website, 49% of people put emphasis on sorting out their finances and reducing their outgoings as a priority for this year, followed by getting physically fit.

Health and fitness resolutions have topped the poll for the last two years, however, they have been downgraded to second and third place behind money troubles for 2012.

With 26 million people making New Years resolutions this year and money worries rising to the top of the list, it is a stark reminder of the economic pressure the nation is under.

With the cost of living soaring and the total unemployment figure increasing, it may come as no surprise that personal finances are stretched to the limit.

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.”

The poll found that 62% of those making a resolution this January are doing so out of habit and 46% genuinely want to change their behaviour over the next 12 months.

Unfortunately though, typically 86% of resolutions fail within 6 months. A staggering 41% are even broke before the end of January!

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2012-01-11 16:32:29 © Moneyextra.com