With household budgets squeezed in 2022, many of us will have set goals to get more on top of our finances this year.

But several weeks into the new year is often a time when people give up any resolutions they made.

Credit card provider Vanquis (vanquis.co.uk) commissioned a poll to find out people’s top financial resolutions in 2022.

Thomas Allder, customer director at Vanquis, has suggested ways to realistically stick to the top five resolutions…

1. Improve my credit score

In the poll, 55% of people said they wanted to improve their credit score in 2022. Allder says: “Keeping a close eye on your score will help you keep track of your financial activity and clearly see the factors that affect it, like paying off debt or missing a payment.”

You can check your score for free through some companies, and simple steps such as making sure you’re on the electoral roll can also help.

2. Save more

Allder suggests setting a comfortable savings target that won’t leave you out of pocket, or with more debt.

He continues: “Then break it down into a monthly amount, and set up a direct debit to a separate savings account to transfer the amount as soon as you get paid. Of course, you can always increase or decrease the amount throughout the year. Then, crucially, leave that savings pot alone.”

3. Pay off credit cards in full

If you’re paying a lot of interest on your debts, the sooner you pay them off, the sooner you can focus on building up your savings. In fact, 35% of people said they wanted to pay off their credit cards in full this year.

Allder says: “Work out if you can make more than the minimum payment each month to clear debts quicker. Small increases will make a big difference in reducing your balance over the course of a few months. Make your payments on time or early each month, to avoid interest charges or fees that might set you back.”

4. Save for a significant life event

Whether you’re saving for a wedding, a property or a new baby, Allder suggests: “If you can, focus on just one goal at a time. Spend some time writing a list of everything that’s included and research the total or ongoing costs, so there are no nasty surprises down the line. Next, determine how much time you have to save for this goal, and therefore how much you need to put away each month.”

5. Spend less on material items

With 22% of people wanting to spend less on non-essential items, it could be a good idea to implement a ’72-hour rule’.

“This is where you wait three days to buy something you really want,” Allder explains. “Quite often you’ll find the initial impulse has disappeared, and you no longer want or need the item after waiting. Setting a few ‘zero spend’ days across the year also helps you to become more conscious of your regular spending.”