Most New Year's resolutions fizzle out in the first few months, but those who stick to their guns in 2016 could save enough money to buy a new car.
Popular pledges like quitting smoking, eating healthier, and skipping your morning latte could all add up to more than $21,000 over the year, new research by financial comparison site Mozo.com.au shows.
Mozo director Kirsty Lamont says the biggest saving was on smoking.
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"We all know cigarettes are terrible for your health, but they also hit your hip pocket, with a pack-a-day smoker burning through $9,000 each year," she said.
Even your daily coffee habit could be setting you back $864 over the course a year, Ms Lamont said.
"Many Aussies waking up with a headache on New Year's Day will be pledging to never drink again," she said.
"We found that abstaining two nights a week could save $5,000 once the wine and late-night kebabs are accounted for."
The common vow to cut out junk food can also save you thousands.
Swapping three takeaway dinners a week for a home-cooked meal will save $2184, and you'll keep an extra $576 by taking the leftovers to work three days a week rather than buying lunch out, the report found.
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Trading your morning muffin for a muesli bar brought from home will save you $720 a year, while giving up the afternoon chocolate bar and having an apple instead will rake in an extra $528.
Finally, the survey found combining socialising with exercise could save you a whopping $2,309 a year, simply by swapping brunch for a walk or swim with friends and cancelling expensive memberships.
New Year's resolution savings:
- Quit smoking: $9125
- Ban boozey nights: $5096
- Skip morning latte: $864
- Ditch junk food: $4008
- Combine socialising with exercise: $2309
- TOTAL: $21,402
(Source: Mozo.com.au)
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