Workers Set Sights on 2026 Financial Resolutions
Americans are looking forward to a “resolution rebound” in 2026, finds new research out today from Vanguard.
Eighty-two percent of respondents to Vanguard’s consumer survey expressed feeling somewhat or very confident in achieving their financial resolution for 2026.
Respondents say that keeping pace with rising costs of living (26%) and feeling prepared for emergencies and unexpected expenses (24%) are their top motivators in staying ahead of finances. According to the findings, 84% of Americans have listed a financial resolution for the new year, including building an emergency fund and using a high-yielding account for short-term savings goals.
“Americans are focused on building emergency funds and saving for short-term goals, and they need information and tools to make smarter savings decisions, so they don’t fall short of their resolutions,” said Matt Benchener, managing director of Vanguard’s Personal Investor business, in a statement. “Use the end of the year as a time to reset. Americans should take a close look at where they save to ensure they are earning the returns they deserve.”
Despite feeling confident over their savings goals, Americans continue to voice trepidations over their short- and long-term finances. Broken down by age group, Vanguard reports that Baby Boomers say they’re most concerned about unexpected expenses (29%), Millennials struggle with insufficient income (22%), and Gen Zers say they’re most likely to live beyond their means (15%).
Others remain concerned in reaching their financial goals—16% are uncertain they’ll hit their targets in the new year and 75% said they missed the mark on their resolutions in 2025.
Vanguard notes that working with an advisor could mitigate these fears and adds that most Americans in its survey reported feeling at ease when speaking to an outside source. Eighty-three percent of respondents say they have someone to confide in with about finances, with many including partners/spouses and family.
Studies show a growing trend in confiding in outside sources, and especially in family members and close loved ones. A 2024 report from Fidelity Investments found that respondents across income and asset levels encourage financial conversations, including how to build up emergency savings accounts and saving for retirement, among families.
Vanguard’s research, “The Cash and Savings Survey,” included a sample of 1,010 U.S. adults ages 18 and older.
Amanda Umpierrez is the Managing Editor of 401(k) Specialist magazine. She is a financial services reporter with nearly a decade of experience and a passion for telling stories and reporting news. She is originally from Queens, New York, but now resides in Denver, Colorado.
