New Year’s resolutions focus on finances, fitness and mental health

DEPTFORD, N.J. (WPVI) — As 2026 begins, many local residents are mapping out their New Year’s resolutions, hoping to improve their finances, health and overall well-being.

Some are zeroing in on money matters.

“Save more. Cut costs where I can,” said Craig Cowling of Barrington.

Samisha Howell of Middletown, Delaware, echoed a similar goal: “Less spending. Like right now! Haha.”

For others, resolutions center on family.

Amber Toran of Deptford, New Jersey, who welcomed a newborn on Dec. 3 and has a 2-year-old toddler, said she is “definitely trying to just give them all the opportunities that I can give them.”

On the physical fitness front, gyms across the region were crowded on the first day of the new year.

At Edge Fitness in Deptford, members packed the workout floor as equipment clunked and weights hit the mats.

Alaina Santiago of Woodbury said her goal is simple: “I want to work out four times a week.”

Personal trainer Angie Aulph said the influx of newcomers is typical for early January.

“Through the first week of the new year we get the new people and a lot of big eyes. A lot o, ‘Oh no, what am I doing here?'” she said.

Aulph added that trainers work to guide people through those early hurdles.

“We help teach you to train that muscle,” she said. “Because the muscle is the key. That’s the growth. It has to hurt and it has to be broken down in order for it to grow.”

Not all resolutions are physical. Some residents are turning inward.

“Take care of myself. Self-worth, self-love,” said Samantha Bolger of Stratford.

Licensed marriage and family therapist Leeor Gal said mental health goals can feel overwhelming when they’re too broad.

“We have this big overarching goal. Let’s say, I want to have less anxiety. We need to go smaller and smaller and smaller,” she said. “Instead of – I want to have less anxiety, it’s – can I take three breaths at the end of the night?”

Gal said that for those trying to cut back on social media, it can help to understand the motivation behind the habit.

“I like to challenge people – when you’re noticing yourself looking at social media or an app – what are you avoiding?”

She noted that various devices and settings can help limit time on certain apps, and she has seen success with those tools.

Both experts emphasized starting small, saying resolutions that are too big or vague can quickly become overwhelming and lead people to give up their goals altogether.