Most Americans optimistic about a financial ‘resolution rebound’ in 2026

Although nearly 75% of Americans fell short of their saving and spending resolutions in 2025, most are optimistic that 2026 will be their year for a "resolution rebound," according to Vanguard's consumer survey. In fact, 84% of Americans made a financial resolution for 2026, with building an emergency fund and using a high-yielding account for short-term savings goals as the top two resolutions.

Despite most Americans feeling somewhat or very confident in their ability to achieve their financial resolution in 2026, each generation cited different obstacles to achieving those goals, according to the survey.

For example:

• Boomers are the most concerned about unexpected expenses.
• Millennials reported struggling with insufficient income.
• Gen Z is the most likely to live beyond their means.

When it comes to how Americans feel about the ability to achieve their financial resolutions in 2026, respondents are split, with feelings of confidence and uncertainty cited as the top emotions. Despite these feelings, they are committed to improving their financial fitness. Keeping up with the cost of living and being prepared for emergencies or unexpected expenses are their top motivators.

Many Americans face financial stress

This feeling of uncertainty is reflected in another survey, the 2026 New Year’s Resolutions Study from The Alliance Center for the Future of Retirement, which is part of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. The study shows that nearly half of Americans are more stressed heading into 2026 than they were at the beginning of 2025.

Among Americans who said they are more stressed financially than they were last year, their top reasons include costs of day-to-day expenses (54%), income is too low (46%), not saving enough for an emergency fund (39%), too much debt (35%), high health care costs (34%), and lack of job security (33%).

Impact on retirement confidence

With all of these things happening, 27% of respondents have decreased confidence in their ability to meet their retirement goals compared to last year. In particular, Gen X and Gen Z are more likely than millennials or Boomers to say they have decreased confidence, compared to last year.

What’s more, many Americans don’t feel like they are making progress toward retirement. About one in five said they are further from reaching their retirement goals than they were a year ago, according to the survey.

“When feeling financially stressed, long-term goals like retirement can be the easiest to sideline because you don’t feel it in your day-to-day life,” said Kelly LaVigne, VP of consumer insights, Allianz Life. “But achieving long-term financial security takes time, and you may be better off consistently working toward retirement incrementally than trying to wait until you can devote a larger part of your budget to the goal.”

Reasons for keeping resolutions in 2026

In addition, most of the Gen Zers and millennials who responded to the Allianz Life survey said they are likely to make and keep a resolution in 2026 to manage money better or save more. Less than half of Gen X (43%) and boomers (23%) said the same. Overall, 46% of Americans said they were likely to make and keep a resolution to manage money better or save more. This was the second most popular resolution after exercise and diet.                     

Preparing for a financial resolution rebound

So how are advisors helping their clients keep their resolutions in these difficult and uncertain times? David Appel, with Appel Insurance Advisors, LLC, said that “as economic uncertainty continues to weigh on households, we are helping clients focus less on predicting the next rebound and more on strengthening the fundamentals they can control today.”

A key step, Appel pointed out, is revisiting cash-flow planning—ensuring clients have adequate emergency reserves, manageable debt levels, and realistic spending plans that align with their priorities. “This foundation helps reduce anxiety and creates flexibility when unexpected expenses arise,” he added.

Importantly, Appel said, their approach is tailored by generation.

For Gen Z, he pointed out, the focus is on building core financial habits, increasing income potential, and automating savings. Millennials often need guidance around balancing lifestyle choices with long-term goals, while Boomers tend to prioritize liquidity, income planning, and protection against unforeseen expenses.

“Ultimately,” Appel added, “preparing for a potential financial rebound in 2026 is about resilience, not timing. By emphasizing disciplined planning, behavioral coaching, and flexibility, clients are better positioned to benefit from opportunities when they arise—without compromising their long-term security.”

The Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement conducted an online survey, the 2026 New Year’s Resolutions Study in November 2025 with a nationally representative sample of 1,038 respondents age 18+ in the U.S.

 

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