New research from eBay reveals that 81% of New Year’s resolutions for 2024 relate to improving finances, through both making more money and savvy spending.
A third of British consumers (35%) are making a New Years resolution this year - rising to 64% of those aged 18-34. Specifically, almost a quarter (24%) of people surveyed said they are committed to making more money to improve their bank balance this year.
This comes as seven in ten (69%) believe there is a strong correlation between happiness and feeling secure in your finances and almost half (46%) agree that having more money at the start of the year will help them to achieve their 2024 goals.
Following the festive period, many enter January experiencing negative thoughts when thinking about their bank balance. One in five (19%) feel anxious, 14% feel stressed, 14% pessimistic, and 8% unprepared for the year ahead.
To help people do the things they love and finance their 2024 resolutions and goals, whatever they may be, eBay is encouraging the nation to kickstart their selling journey by listing their unused items on the marketplace this January to make a bit of extra cash.
Half of Brits (51%) reveal that they have already sold items on an online selling platform to make extra money and over a quarter (28%) are planning on starting to sell things they own in 2024 to make a bit of money.
Helping turn negative thoughts at the start of the year into more positive, productive feelings, people reveal that they feel resourceful (38%), organised (28%) and encouraged to sell more (27%) after selling items online.
With a little extra money, Brits would most likely spend this on holidays (39%), followed by all important home improvements (27%) and treats for themselves (27%). Others would put additional cash towards more practical expenses such as paying the bills (26%) and the food shop (18%).
How much you could make from some of eBay’s most popular items:
(Prices are calculated via the products' average selling price and sale price may vary)**
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PC laptops & notebooks - £250
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Bikes - £240
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Used digital cameras - £200
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Used mobile phones - £160
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Speakers & subwoofers - £130
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Golf clubs - £100
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Used video game consoles - £100
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Vinyl records - £15
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Kids clothing - £5
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Women’s dresses - £10
Ege Yilmaz, Head of Consumer Selling at eBay UK (she/her) said: “After a busy festive period, many of us head into the new year feeling strapped for cash - and it doesn’t help that January seems to go on forever! However, selling pre-loved and unused items from around your home on eBay can be the simplest way to get a much-needed cash boost.
Whether it’s unwanted gifts or duplicate presents you’ve received, January is a prime time to get decluttering and listing. The cash you make could go towards funding a new hobby or your next holiday! No matter how weird and wonderful, there’s a market for everything on eBay, so don’t be put off if you don’t think anyone will be interested, it could be just the item someone else is looking for. As well as being a great way to make extra money, it’s also helping keep items out of landfill and in circulation for longer - it’s a win-win.”
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Notes to Editors:
*Opinium research carried out from 22nd December-2nd January across 2,000 nationally representative adults
** eBay UK ASP data 2023
Additional Data Points:
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The rising cost of food shopping (64%) is the biggest reason for negative feelings, closely followed with increasing energy bills (63%)
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Despite high levels of discomfort, January is also the most popular month for Brits to review their finances (8%). However, 61% review all throughout the year, while worryingly 8% never do so
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A third of Brits (35%) will be making a New Years resolution - rising to 64% of those aged 18-34.
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Saving money (34%) is the top area of resolutions, followed by those relating to fitness (33%), making more money (24%), and working towards financial security (23%)
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However, two thirds (65%) will not be setting themselves goals for the year, most commonly as they never make resolutions (76%). Yet 14% simply can’t decide what to commit to, while 2% want to but can’t afford to do so