Many Americans are embracing this late-year financial challenge—experts say it could change how you save!

As the end of 2025 approaches, a viral TikTok trend is helping people achieve their wellness goals: "The Great Lock In" encourages participants to finish the year strong by fully focusing on their life goals from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31.

Many people focus on exercise or eating healthier. But the trend can also help you achieve your financial goals.

There are no set rules for the Great Lock In. The phrase "lock in" is popular on social media, and it means to focus intensely on a task.

The brilliance of a four-month commitment

Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a financial therapist and founder of Mind Money Balance, captures why this approach works so well: "Something I like about this particular trend is that it's like New Year's resolutions' little sister."

For Julissa Mercedes, 28, one of her lock-in goals is to build a $2,500 emergency savings fund. "Having some liquid cash will make me feel a little bit safer," said Mercedes, a San Diego resident who works in finance. Aside from building an emergency fund, Mercedes has three other goals: making a new friend, creating a morning routine, and picking up a new hobby.

The Great Lock In is meant to help people achieve New Year's resolutions that might have fallen by the wayside. If you started your year planning to pay down debt by cutting unnecessary expenses, and have yet to follow up on that, this challenge might help you with that goal.

Also read: Transform your finances with this simple 75/15/10 rule—find out how to budget smarter now!

If you're thinking of participating in the Great Lock In, or if you're already doing it, here are some expert recommendations to make your financial goals stick:

1. Review your finances

To build a goal that will benefit you, it's essential to review your finances, Bryan-Podvin said. She suggested that you review your bank account and spend some time figuring out how much you earn each month, as well as what you spend it on.

If you made a New Year's resolution around finances, this could be a good opportunity to check on your progress and see if you need to reassess your approach.

2. Set attainable goals

When participating in a challenge, it's best to set attainable goals. Sometimes online challenges inspire people to make significant changes, but they can also lead them to create unattainable goals.

Also read: The smart way to stay on top of your finances with irregular income

Setting a goal that is realistic in relation to your budget and lifestyle is the best way to make sure you can achieve it by the end of the challenge. Bryan-Podvin recommends looking at the Great Lock In as a 5K race rather than a marathon.

3. Focus on habit-building

To continue achieving your financial goals into 2026, Markley recommends centering some of your lock-in goals around building new habits or skills.

For example, if your goal is to stop spending on takeout, focus on building a habit that's related to cooking.

A great way to help create a habit is to use a habit-tracking tool. It can be as simple as setting reminders on your phone or downloading an app that sends you regular notifications.

4. Create community and accountability

Social media can be a good place to find community support for achieving your goals, whether it's joining a Facebook group, commenting on creators' videos, or posting your own content.

As she started the Great Lock In challenge at the beginning of September, Mercedes also decided to document her experience on TikTok. Sharing her journey with followers helps with accountability.

Also read: How much emergency savings is enough? Experts say this number is growing—and here’s how to prepare

5. Reflect on your relationship with money

As you use the Great Lock In trend to achieve your financial goals, take a moment to reflect on your overall relationship with money.

Sitting down regularly, either by yourself or with your partner, and reviewing your spending habits can help with your long-term financial goals.

6. It's OK if it's not for you

While social media challenges can help inspire people to achieve their goals, it's not worth adding unnecessary stress to your life because of a challenge. Not every trend works for everyone, and there are many other ways that you can achieve your financial goals, Markley said.

Whether you join “The Great Lock In” trend or not, the underlying principle of focused attention on financial goals for a specific period can be valuable. The key is finding an approach that aligns with your personality and circumstances.

Read next:

• A little thing called “lifestyle creep” might be ruining your finances. Here’s what you need to know.
• How to stick with your New Year’s goals long after January
• Unlock the Secret: Why Your New Year's Resolutions Always Fail and How to Fix It!

Key Takeaways

• “The Great Lock In” is an online trend encouraging participants to focus on specific goals—especially financial ones—from September through December.
• Financial experts say the challenge’s short time frame and flexible approach help people reset their money mindset before the new year.
• Practical tips include reviewing finances honestly, setting small attainable goals, and celebrating each milestone.
• Building community and accountability—whether online or with friends—can significantly improve success rates while keeping the process enjoyable.

Have you tried joining The Great Lock In movement, or are you thinking about it? What financial goals are you working toward as the year wraps up?