As 2025 winds down, a viral TikTok trend known as “The Great Lock-In” is pushing people to make the most of the year’s final stretch.
Instead of lofty resolutions made in January, the idea of the “lick-in” is to buckle down now, tightening focus, trimming distractions, and tackling the goals that still feel within reach.
To help viewers with their money moves, we spoke with CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger, who broke down the smartest financial steps to take before Dec. 31.
Here’s a transcript of Jill’s complete interview:
WKMG-TV:
Jill, what are some of the concrete financial goals to consider for a lock-in?
Jill Schlesinger:
I’m going to give you my favorite single goal that is the basis for all financial planning and that is: track your spending.
No matter how much money you make, or you don’t make, this is the key.
By tracking your spending, you can start 2026 with a much better understanding of where your money is going and of course, how much is available to fund any goal like building an emergency reserve fund or paying down debt. Track that spending,
WKMG-TV:
Jill, it’s the end of the year – is there a lock-in-goal around strategies to help us navigate the holiday season?
Jill Schlesinger:
I want to say you should use restraint with your gift giving.
Sometimes that does fall on deaf ears. So, let’s do a few specific steps to determine how much money you can really afford to spend, and then build out your list. You can monitor the price of any item that you’ve got your eye on. With the help of technology.
Google Price Tracker, apps like Honey, Rakuten, or Shop Savvy – they can all help. And of course, don’t forget to use those unused gift cards. There’s money out there.
WKMG-TV:
And Jill, what should we lock in when it comes to retirement savings?
Jill Schlesinger:
If you are lucky enough to have some extra cash on hand, now is a great time to increase your retirement plan contribution at work by a percentage point or two. You know, with six weeks to go, you can get a lot of money out of there. If you don’t have a plan to work, don’t worry, you can lock in on opening a traditional or a Roth IRA.
You do have until tax filing time to fund it, but if you have the money, start now.
WKMG-TV:
As usual. Wise words from Jill.
You can see Jill regularly on CBS mornings and the CBS Evening News. For more analysis, go to Jill on Money.com.