More Americans look to financial resolutions for 2026 as budget concerns linger

With the New Year comes a chance for a financial reset and more Americans are considering making financial resolutions in 2026 with a focus on short-term savings goals, according to a recent study by Fidelity Investments.Fidelity’s annual study found that 64% of respondents are considering a financial resolution for the new year, an increase from 56% last year.It also found that the top three financial resolutions have remained consistent year-over-year, with 44% saying they want to save more money, 36% wanting to pay down debt, and 30% looking to spend less money.“This was the second year in a row where Americans were prioritizing more of those short-term savings,” Leanna Devinney, market leader at Fidelity Investments, told FOX Business in an interview.“So this was similar to last year where they were saying, ‘I want more short-term savings goals like building up an emergency fund or paying down debt versus longer-term goals.'”The study found that 55% feel overwhelmed by personal finances while 31% of Americans described their relationship with money as stressful.

Among age groups, Millennials (68%) and Gen Z (64%) were the most overwhelmed by their personal finances.Americans are also feeling more stressed than in recent years when it comes to saving money for goals after paying bills (35%), being able to pay monthly bills (34%), paying for healthcare costs in retirement (30%) and having enough retirement savings to retire as planned (30%).Fidelity found that nearly three-quarters of Americans dealt with a financial setback last year, which could explain the focus on building savings for unforeseen setbacks, with 20% reporting an unexpected non-health emergency.“In 2025, 72% of Americans said they experienced some type of financial setback, and then 55% said they’re overwhelmed by their personal finances,” Devinney said.“Due to rising prices, 33% shared they feel they have significantly less money.”“While those are factual worries, what ...