As the year comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on 2011 and make some changes for the new year. What are you planning on changing in 2012? Many people make resolutions to go on a diet, start exercising, get a promotion at work or save more money. In fact, nearly four-in-ten U.S. adults we recently surveyed plan to overhaul their finances in the new year.

When it comes to how U.S. adults will do the overhauling, three-in-four (77 percent) said they plan to cut back on unnecessary expenses. Rounding out the list were the following:

• Cut back on “extras” (e.g., eating out, going to the movies) – 62 percent
• Set a budget and stick to it – 54 percent
• Use coupons – 54 percent
• Plan payments to get out of debt – 40 percent
• Make investments (e.g., stock market, mutual funds) – 21 percent
• See a financial advisor – 8 percent
• Open a savings account – 7 percent

Though there are many changes to be made in 2012, nearly half (48 percent) of U.S. adults we recently surveyed are optimistic that 2012 will be a better year for their finances. Despite that large figure, there are many that aren’t quite as positive: 37 percent said they do not think 2012 will be better financially, while 16 percent said they weren’t sure.  

While some U.S. adults are looking at 2012 through rose-colored glasses when it comes to their finances, others are a little more uncertain. Despite an improvement in the economy, 37 percent said they feel less financially secure than they did at the beginning of 2011, while 43 percent said they are neither more or less financially secure. Over one-in-five (21 percent) said that when they look back at the start of 2011, they feel more financially secure this year.

Regardless of their financial state, most U.S. adults have at least one financial New Year’s resolution on the docket. When asked what their number one financial resolution would be for 2012, in a random sampling, U.S. adults said the following:

• Accelerate paying off my debt.
• Be less wasteful when buying groceries.
• Buy store brands instead of name brands to save money.
• Try to get promoted.
• Get on track with making student loan payments.
• Save for a down payment on a house.
• Increase my retirement savings.
• Move to a more affordable apartment.
• Pay my credit card balance off each month.
• Plan shopping trips well to save gas and time.
• Cut back on unnecessary purchases of clothes, shoes and handbags.
• Use more coupons when shopping.

What changes will YOU make this year?