Managing finances key aim for most Britons

Better financial management and getting into the savings habit rank among the top five New Year’s resolutions Britons are making this year, according to a survey for Skipton Building Society.

Although more traditional pledges like losing weight (31%) and exercising more (31%) still feature highly, financial resolutions are well up there, with 40% of people planning to make at least one such commitment for the coming year.
In fact, saving money is a bigger priority for them (27%) than spending time with their family (25%), having fun (23%) or going on holidays (21%).
The survey also suggested that – of those planning to improve their finances in 2012 – almost a third (31%) hope to do so by saving money, 17% by generally managing their finances better, 13% by doing their best to clear unsecured debts and 4% by either paying off or paying down their mortgage.