New Year, New You: Five Tips to Take Charge of Your Finances in 2025

When the ball drops on New Year’s Eve, millions of people make promises to themselves. This year, it’s time to make a resolution that will truly set you up for success: financial empowerment. Whether you’re saving for a big goal, managing your first paycheck, or trying to navigate college expenses, learning how to handle your money can make all the difference.

Why financial resolutions are a game-changer

Financial resolutions aren’t just about dollars and cents. They’re about building the life you want. Managing your money wisely creates freedom, reduces stress, and opens doors to future opportunities.

Five steps to crush your financial goals in 2025

1. Create a budget you’ll actually use. Whether you’re tracking allowance, a part-time-job paycheck, or scholarship funds, a budget helps you see where your money is going. Not sure where to start? Download Khan Academy’sfree budget template to organize your income and expenses with ease.
2. Set goals that motivate you. Use the SMART method to set goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example: Instead of saying, “I’ll save money,” try something like, “I’ll save $50 a month to buy a new laptop by summer.” If your goal is to get out of debt, watch this video on paying off the debt.
3. Learn the money basics. Not sure where to start when it comes to managing money? Whether you’re wondering about the difference between credit and debit or how to save for retirement, Khan Academy’s Adulting 101 Guide is perfect for beginners. Paired with our Financial Literacy course, this guide offers quick, easy-to-follow lessons on everything from taxes to building credit, making it the ideal starting point for anyone looking to take control of their finances.
4. Make saving automatic. Take the stress out of saving by setting up automatic transfers to your savings account. Even small, regular contributions—like $10 a week—add up over time. Check out this example!
5. Celebrate every win. Paid off your first credit card? Saved enough for concert tickets? Celebrate your progress! Recognizing your wins helps you stay motivated and on track for bigger goals.

Have you taken our free Financial Literacy course?

We offer a free course to help you become a financial pro. From understanding student loans to managing your budget, we’ve got you covered. These tools are designed for everyone, no matter your current level of knowledge.

What you’ll learn:

• Budgeting and saving
• Understanding credit and loans
• Navigating taxes and employment

Explore the course for free!

Start 2025 strong—because you deserve a financial future as bright as your New Year’s fireworks. Make today the day you begin!

This course is made possible by Walmart, a founding sponsor, and additional support is provided by Capital One and Intuit for Education, companies that are committed to providing learners with essential personal finance skills.

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