As the New Year approaches, many Americans are contemplating financial resolutions for 2026, driven by ongoing budget concerns. A recent study conducted by Fidelity Investments reveals that 64% of respondents are considering a financial resolution, a notable increase from 56% in 2025. The study highlights consistent priorities among these resolutions, with 44% aiming to save more money, 36% focused on paying down debt, and 30% seeking to reduce spending.
Leanna Devinney, market leader at Fidelity Investments, stated in an interview with FOX Business, “This was the second year in a row where Americans were prioritizing more of those short-term savings.” She noted that individuals are increasingly favoring short-term goals, such as building an emergency fund or reducing debt, over long-term financial aspirations.
The study indicates that 55% of respondents feel overwhelmed by their personal finances, with 31% describing their relationship with money as stressful. The findings reveal that Millennials (68%) and Generation Z (64%) are particularly affected by financial stress. Many Americans express heightened anxiety regarding their ability to save for specific goals after covering monthly bills, with 35% feeling pressure in this area. Additionally, 34% report concerns about meeting monthly expenses, while 30% worry about healthcare costs during retirement.
Fidelity’s research highlights that nearly three-quarters of Americans experienced a financial setback in the previous year. This backdrop of financial instability may explain the increased focus on savings, with 20% reporting unexpected non-health emergencies. Devinney noted, “In 2025, 72% of Americans said they experienced some type of financial setback, and then 55% said they’re overwhelmed by their personal finances.” She added that rising prices have left 33% feeling they have significantly less disposable income.
Despite these challenges, Devinney pointed out an optimistic trend. According to the study, 70% of respondents feel they are in a better or similar financial situation compared to a year ago. Furthermore, a growing number of individuals—43% this year—report feeling more positive about their finances than they did five years earlier, an increase from 36% last year.
The fluctuations in financial sentiment reflect recent market volatility. Devinney explained, “The beginning of the year really started as a roller coaster. We saw significant market volatility and then a significant market rebound, and then also just the continued concern around being able to compete with rising prices.”
The increased emphasis on short-term savings can be attributed to this volatility. Devinney observed that many Americans had to dip into their savings recently. Encouragingly, 25% of respondents expressed a desire to build their emergency fund in the upcoming year, while another 23% plan to adhere to a spending budget.
As 2026 approaches, it is clear that many Americans are taking a proactive approach to their finances, demonstrating a shift towards prioritizing immediate financial goals in response to a changing economic landscape.
