What do New Year’s resolutions really have in common with January gym memberships—and why do so many fail by February?

In this episode of Money Well Studio, Julie and Jennifer reframe New Year’s resolutions through the god of Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, endings, and thresholds. Rather than treating resolutions as rigid goals, they explore them as rituals—moments to pause, reflect, and design better systems for the year ahead.

The conversation traces the history of resolutions from ancient Babylon through Roman traditions, connects modern January optimism to the booming fitness industry, and unpacks why motivation alone rarely sticks. Using personal finance as a lens, they argue that failed resolutions are often a design problem, not a discipline problem—and that sustainable financial habits are built through small, repeatable systems aligned with real life.

Cocktail: The Janus

This episode’s drink is The Janus, a cocktail built in two layers—just like the god himself.

The bottom layer is darker and richer, representing the past year and the lessons we’re carrying forward.
The top layer is light, bright, and bubbly, symbolizing optimism, fresh starts, and the year ahead.

The Past (Bottom Layer)

• 1 oz aged rum or bourbon

• ½ oz pomegranate liqueur
  (or pomegranate juice with a touch of simple syrup)

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

The Future (Top Layer)

• 1 oz prosecco or champagne

• ½ oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain works beautifully)
  or Grand Marnier

• Lemon twist (for aroma and brightness)

1. In a shaker with ice, gently stir the Past ingredients.

2. Strain into a coupe or champagne flute.

3. Slowly top with prosecco.

4. Carefully float the elderflower liqueur on top (pour over the back of a spoon).

5. Garnish with a lemon twist or a few pomegranate arils.

What would Janus do? He’d look both ways — and sip thoughtfully.