Every January, we make promises to ourselves: eat better, drink less, and finally use that gym membership we’ve been paying for since 2022. Most of the time, these resolutions are about health and wellbeing - but what if they could also transform your financial future?

Skipping a few extra treats and being consistent with investing can do more for your wealth than leaving cash idle or chasing the next big pick. Small, regular contributions add up over time and that’s where Fisher Funds Managed Funds can come in. Managed funds make investing simple with funds that are designed for different goals and timeframes. Plus, you can add to or withdraw your investment when it suits you, so while it’s a long-term investment, you’re not locked in. It’s an easy way to turn those new habits into lasting financial progress.

Let’s look at some examples using a Balanced portfolio, which typically delivers an average return of around 3.5% per year after fees and tax over a 5-year period. Note that these examples assume consistent investing and a steady return, though actual returns may vary.

With that in mind, let’s explore how three common New Year’s resolutions - stop drinking alcohol, get fit, and cut the junk food - can be turned into a solid plan for 2026.

Resolution 1: Stop drinking alcohol

One of the classics after an overly “social” festive season. The average person spends $80–$120 a month on alcohol. A few nights out, a couple of bottles of wine - it doesn’t take much for it to add up fast.

Now imagine redirecting that $100/month into an investment account instead:

• 12 months: $1,200

• 5 years at 3.5% annual return: $6,500+

That’s not just pocket change - that’s a holiday fund, a home deposit boost, or a kick-start to your emergency fund.

Resolution 2: Get fit (and save money while you’re at it)

This resolution often comes with a shiny new gym membership but more often than not, that membership ends up as another forgotten subscription to cancel later. The good news? In New Zealand, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to free outdoor exercise options. Instead, you could put aside the cost of a gym membership and put that money to better use.

If you do prefer to keep the membership, it’s okay to reward yourself for sticking to your fitness goals by setting aside a small amount each month (health and wellbeing will pay off in the long term anyway)

• $80/month for 12 months: $960

• 5 years at 3.5% annual return: $5,000+

Getting fit could literally pay off - financially and physically.

Resolution 3: Cut the junk food

Late-night snacks, fast food lunches, and impulse treats can easily hit $50–$70 a month.

Redirect $60/month:

• 12 months: $720

• 5 years at 3.5% annual return: $3,900+

Not bad for skipping a few burgers and fries, right?

The combined impact

Here’s where it gets exciting:

• Alcohol: $100/month

• Get Fit Reward: $80/month

• Junk food: $60/month

Total: $240/month

Invest that consistently for 5 years at 3.5% return and you’re looking at $15,000+. That’s enough for a dream holiday, a new car, or a serious head start on a bigger financial goal. And here’s the kicker: this is primarily your own hard work. Compounding works best over the long term - but the habit of investing is what makes it happen in the short term.

The real strength of this approach is that it’s flexible and it’s yours. You’re in control, and you can build a plan that fits your life. Need to pause contributions for a month? Go ahead. Want to top up as a reward for sticking to your goals for three months? Easy.

You’re not just cutting costs, you’re redirecting them toward something meaningful and more valuable to you individually. That sense of purpose is what anchors a long-term investing mindset. It’s about turning everyday decisions into progress and knowing that every choice you make moves you closer to your goals.

Final thought

In a world where money can make money, the smartest move isn’t chasing the next hot stock - it’s building habits that free up cash and put it to work. Small, consistent contributions can transform your financial future.

Your habits aren’t just about health - they’re about wealth. So, when you raise a glass to the New Year, think about what you're cutting out. It might just be the start of something big.

*The 3.5% return assumption for a balanced portfolio is based on FMA guidelines for KiwiSaver projections. These government-set assumptions reflect after-tax and after-fee returns for funds with 35–62.9% growth assets, which aligns with the typical asset mix of a balanced managed funds portfolio.

Talk to us

If you have any questions about your investment or would like to make sure you have the right investment strategy to reach your financial goals, get in touch with us – our team are always happy to help.