Financial goals set at the start of the year have already fallen by the wayside

Financial goals set at the start of the year have already fallen by the wayside – as motivation to see it through wanes. A poll, of 2,000 adults, found of the 56 per cent who set themselves money-related goals for the year, 67 per cent have given up after four months. But 21 per cent were determined to get their money in a better shape at the start of the year – alongside becoming fitter, spending more time with family and friends, and travelling more. However, 43 per cent expect their resolutions not to go to plan this year – with 16 per cent putting it down to setting unrealistic goals, and 10 per cent blaming laziness. Lack of motivation, and too many distractions, are other reasons for the failure of meeting self-imposed targets. The research was commissioned by NatWest, which has teamed up with athletes including Sir Chris Hoy, Max Whitlock and Beth Shriever to record a motivational ‘team talk for the nation’.