Did you set New Year’s resolutions last year? Many people’s resolutions focus on two important pillars: health and wealth. No way you would play around with those, right?
Actually, if you’re like most of us, chances are you didn’t stick to your resolutions. According to Forbes, less than 25% of people stay committed to New Year’s resolutions after just 30 days and only 8% actually accomplish their goals. Ouch.
So how can you make this year different? We’ve got with simple tips to upgrade your life and finally make positive changes.
💡 Summary at a Glance
Many New Year’s Resolutions focus on the important pillars of health and wealth.
Most resolutions fail because people focus on goals instead of systems that create lasting change.
For example, if you want to be healthier, change your systems — meal prep, choose healthier snacks, and find an exercise routine that works for you.
Avoid money traps like high-interest debt, impulse shopping, subscription creep, and skipping insurance.
Use smart financial planning — budget, set timelines, and choose better saving options like fixed deposits.
Talking to an agent can help reduce stress, build wealth, and keep you on track for 2026
1. Don’t Just Make Resolutions, Change Your System
Losing weight is one of THE most popular resolutions. Every year, many of us resolve to lose weight; and every year, many of us fail. Why? Because we’re focused on the outcome instead of the system. As bestselling author James Clear writes: “Goals are good for setting a direction, but systems are best for making progress.”
Take a holistic look at why it’s hard for you to lose weight:
- Maybe you often buy fast food. Change your system and meal prep.
- Maybe you snack a lot. Buy healthy snacks and limit unhealthy options.
- Maybe you don’t exercise. Find a workout routine that works for you. It could be going to the gym in the morning, walking around the Savannah after work, or finding an exercise partner to help keep you accountable.
When you change your system, results will follow.
2. Avoid Money Traps
Financial resolutions are also popular. However, improving your finances isn’t just about smart saving (although we’ll get to that). It’s about smart spending. Here are some common money traps you should avoid in the new year:
- High-interest debt — Credit card debt can quickly spiral out of control. If you can, always pay off your card each month. If you owe a lot, consider debt consolidation so your interest won’t keep increasing.
- Buying things just because they’re on sale — If you’re buying something you need, great. But if you weren’t going to buy that item in the first place, you’re not saving — you’re spending. Unsubscribe from retail emails and avoid shopping if you’re emotional or tired, when you’re more likely to give into impulse spending.
- Subscription Creep — You subscribed to Amazon Prime, but you haven’t watched a show on that streaming service for two months. Cancel it! Those monthly payments add up and you can always re-subscribe later.
- Avoiding Insurance “To Save Money” — You may think that insurance is a money trap; you probably won’t suffer a major medical emergency this year. But if you do and you’re not covered, you could drain your life savings and even go into debt. Show love to your future self and ensure you’re covered.
3. Try Smart Financial Planning
If you truly want to upgrade your life, you need to organize your finances. Speaking to an agent isn’t just for rich people! It’s for anyone who wants to reduce stress, build wealth, and create a legacy for future generations. Here’s what you should do:
- Save Smart: If your money is sitting in a bank account, it’s not keeping up with inflation. Consider a fixed deposit where you can earn higher interest rates and where your investment in T&T is guaranteed by the Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $200,000.
- Budget: Budgeting may sound exhausting. But you will never get anywhere if you don’t have a handle on how much you save and how much you spend. And there are apps to make budgeting easier.
- Include Timelines: You want to save a downpayment for a house/car. Unless you put a timeline on that goal, it’ll probably remain a dream. Be specific.
- How much will you save each month?
- If you meet your goal, when will you be able to make that purchase?
- You can even have a visual representation of your goal; for each month you meet your target, add three stones to a jar.
💭 Final Thoughts: Perfection Not Progress
No matter how well you prepare, you’re going to slip up at some point. When that happens, you can either throw your hands into the air and give up … or you can remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes, and keep trying. You won’t achieve your goals overnight but the tiny decisions you make every day can eventually make 2026 a healthier, wealthier, and happier year.
Good luck!
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Our Maritime team of advisors is here to help you. Whether you need advice on financial planning, or anything else in our wheelhouse, we’re committed to offering personalised support and solutions. If you’d like to chat, you can always reach out to us.
