NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
She arrived in 2025, and after dieting and exercising, money and debt repayment they always top the list of American New Year’s resolutions. How can you create a game plan that is effective and tactical on January 1st? We bring you five great ideas for an impressive New Year’s Eve!
1. Go to the grocery store…less
Did you know that the average person visits a store more than 10 times a month? According to Oxygen Financialwhich constitutes a significant part of your time. And since each trip takes an average of 43 minutes (source: Time Institute), the hours add up. And remember this, grocery stores have the same goal as Las Vegas casinos, which is to separate you from your wallet.
In fact, a Publix recently opened near me in Atlanta, Ga., with a full bar where you can drink beer and wine. Now, why would you have to do that? The reason is that grocery stores know that the most important thing is to get you to spend more time in the store and, consequently, you will spend more money.
A RARE GOLD COIN WORTH THOUSANDS WAS THROWN IN THE SALVATION ARMY BIN BY AN ANONYMOUS HOLIDAY DONOR
Here’s how you can cut down on those trips:
People talk about becoming millionaires, but the road to wealth starts with a few small steps. (Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy)
- Make a list before you go shopping and stick to it. This will save you from wandering around aimlessly or buying things you don’t need.
- Avoid being hungry, especially during peak shopping hours (4-5pm), when your cravings can lead to impulse buying.
- Don’t fall for end-cap marketing traps. Just because it says BOGO (buy one, get one free) doesn’t mean it’s in your best interest to buy it at all.
2. Invest like a millionaire — starting with $100
Investing is no longer just for the ultra-rich. With just $100, you can diversify your portfolio with assets once reserved only for the wealthy:
- Art: Platforms like Masterworks allow you to buy shares in artworks, giving you the opportunity to own a piece of the work of world-renowned artists.
- Collector’s items: Imagine owning a piece of a classic car, like a 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback, through Rally. This innovative platform makes high-value collectibles accessible to everyone.
- Real estate: Build equity while helping renters do the same with ROOTS, a company that empowers you to invest in real estate with community-focused goals.
These options offer creative ways to grow your wealth without requiring a huge initial investment.
One of the smart moves for 2025 is to invest a little in collectibles. FILE: This undated photo provided by Heritage Auctions of Dallas shows some of the more than 700 well-preserved 1910 baseball cards found in the attic of a home in Defiance, Ohio. (AP)
3. Pay off your debts
Debt is a major financial burden for many Americans, with credit card debt alone approaching $1.2 trillion and an average balance of $6,327. Solving debt now will allow you long-term financial freedom.
Here are two pro tips for 2025:
- Focus on credit cards with the highest interest rates and lowest balances first to reduce the total amount you’ll pay over time and put something in the win column at the beginning of the year.
- Don’t use gift cards, sell them. If you have unused gift cards, sell them on platforms like CardCash. This will turn unused funds into cold hard cash that you can put towards your debts.
4. Review your recurring subscriptions
Recurring subscriptions can quietly drain your finances. Many people forget about services they no longer use, and some forget about the costs subscriptions like YouTube TV they’ve doubled over the past seven years (now at $82.99 per month).
Here’s how to take back control:
- Review your credit card statements at the end of the year to identify subscriptions, apps, and memberships you no longer use, want, or need.
- For subscriptions you want to keep, explore options to share with friends or family. For example, YouTube TV allows six members on one subscription.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONS
Investing is no longer just for the ultra-rich. With just $100, you can diversify your portfolio with assets once reserved only for the wealthy.
5. Your points programs lose pace with inflation
Do you have a stash of airline miles, hotel rewards or credit card points? These points represent real money — but their value declines over time due to inflation and rising redemption costs.
Consider this: in the last five years, your points have probably lost 20% of their value. Waiting too long to use them can mean missing out on the rewards you’ve earned.
Here’s how to make the most of your points:
- Use them for flights, hotel stays or statement credits whenever possible.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
People looking to save money should look at their subscriptions to see if they can cancel those that are not in use. FILE: An aerial view shows the Netflix logo above corporate offices on January 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
- Check the terms and expiration dates of your rewards programs regularly.
- Treat your points like money — spend them wisely before they lose more value
It’s not a solution, it’s a game plan
Whether it’s cutting back on unnecessary shopping trips or finding innovative ways to invest, these simple changes can have a big impact on your finances. Start with a small review of your eating habits or subscriptions, then work your way up to investing and tackling debt. Every step you take will bring you closer to becoming a millionaire.
