Fidelity Investments survey reveals 64% of Americans making financial resolutions in 2026 despite widespread budget stress and financial setbacks

Fidelity Investments‘ latest study reveals a contradiction that defines 2026 for Americans. Despite budget stress gripping nearly half the nation, 64% are planning financial resolutions this year—a jump from 56% last year. Yet the motivation behind these goals tells a deeper story about financial anxiety in the new year.

The Financial Resolution Revolution Taking Hold

Fidelity Investments, conducting its 17th annual study, found that Americans aren’t avoiding financial planning despite economic pressures. Instead, 64% of respondents are considering a financial resolution for 2026—a significant 8-percentage-point increase from 2025. More notably, 36% of those making resolutions say they’re prioritizing them more than ever before.

The shift reflects a growing recognition that intentional planning matters more than passive hoping. Amanda Lott, Head of Financial Planning at Fidelity, notes this approach as “planning with purpose.” People are moving beyond wishes into actionable strategies, even as rising prices and unexpected expenses create constant headwinds.

What’s driving this change? Fear. In 2025, 72% of Americans experienced some form of financial setback, whether it was lower purchasing power from inflation or surprise expenses. That reality has made planning feel less optional and more like survival.

Budget Stress Reaches Record Levels Across America

The financial stress Americans face is real and measurable. The study found that 55% of Americans feel overwhelmed by personal finances, with Millennials (68%) and Gen Z (64%) experiencing the highest anxiety. Even more troubling, 31% describe their relationship with money as stressful.

The primary sources of stress reveal where the pressure is building. 45% are most concerned about rising everyday prices, reflecting how inflation at the grocery store and gas pump continues to erode household budgets. Following close behind are concerns about unexpected expenses (31%) and rising healthcare or insurance costs (28%).

33% say they have significantly less money in 2025 due to rising prices, and 37% believe they’ll face the same setback in 2026. This backward-looking assessment of financial loss paired with forward-looking anxiety creates the tension defining the new year.

Short-Term Savings Goals Dominate Resolution Lists for 2026

Financial Resolution	Percentage Making This Resolution
Save more money	44%
Pay down debt	36%
Spend less	30%
Build emergency fund	25%

For the second consecutive year, Americans are prioritizing short-term goals over long-term ones. Of those saving more money, 52% focus on short-term needs—emergency savings, credit card debt, mortgage payments, big-ticket purchases—while only 48% target long-term goals like retirement or college savings.

This reversal from historical patterns reveals genuine financial vulnerability. When households live paycheck to paycheck, retirement planning becomes a luxury they can’t afford. Emergency rebuilding tops priority lists, with 78% saying they plan to build emergency savings in the coming year.

Motivation comes from mixed sources. 49% cite a desire for greater peace of mind, 47% want to live debt-free, and 35% want to control daily expenses. These aren’t aspirational wishes—they’re responses to genuine pain points from 2025.

Despite Stress, 71% Have Plans and Optimism Is Rising

Perhaps the most encouraging finding: despite financial worries, 71% of Americans have a plan to reach their financial goals. This suggests resolution-setting isn’t wishful thinking—it’s accompanied by strategic action.

Optimism is also growing. 70% see themselves in a better or similar financial situation compared to a year ago, compared to 67% in 2024. Even more significant, 43% feel better about their finances than they did five years ago, up from 36% last year. This improvement reflects strong market performance in the second half of 2025 and positive savings behavior among those who managed to save.

“Committing to purposeful financial planning in all market environments is a smart strategy and helps to build confidence and lays a strong foundation for achieving short and long-term financial goals.”

— Amanda Lott, Head of Financial Planning and Advice Capabilities, Fidelity Investments

What Will It Take to Keep These Resolutions in 2026?

History shows that financial resolutions often fail. But Fidelity found that those who successfully kept resolutions in 2025 had one thing in common: they made realistic, specific, and easy-to-maintain goals (27% each). Progress itself felt good enough to maintain momentum (27%).

The data suggests three critical success factors. First, goals must be clear and specific—not “save money” but “save $200 monthly for emergency fund.” Second, realistic expectations matter—unsustainable targets lead to abandonment. Third, building in small wins creates the psychological reinforcement needed to sustain effort throughout the year.

80% of Americans believe having a financial plan can help them deal with unexpected events. This belief provides a foundation for commitment. Yet only 37% with financial advisors feel their advisor could help create a flexible plan that adapts when priorities shift. This gap suggests many Americans need better guidance on building adaptable strategies.

Sources

• Fidelity Investments – 2026 New Year’s Financial Resolutions Study, 17th Annual
• Fox Business – Reporting on Fidelity study findings regarding American financial resolutions and budget concerns
• Fidelity Newsroom – Official press release on Americans preparing for “planning with purpose” in 2026