Americans Focus on Short-Term Savings for 2026 Financial Resolutions

As we approach a new year, Americans are increasingly focused on getting their financial houses in order, with short-term savings goals taking center stage for 2026. According to Fidelity Investments’ annual study, there’s been a notable shift in financial priorities, with 64% of respondents considering a financial resolution for the upcoming year—a significant jump from 56% last year. This renewed interest in financial planning comes despite ongoing economic uncertainties that many households have weathered throughout 2025. The top three financial resolutions have remained consistent: 44% want to save more money, 36% aim to pay down debt, and 30% hope to spend less. This continuity suggests that Americans are maintaining their focus on foundational financial health rather than being distracted by market volatility or changing economic conditions.

The emphasis on short-term financial goals represents a practical approach to personal finance in uncertain times. “This was the second year in a row where Americans were prioritizing more of those short-term savings,” noted Leanna Devinney, market leader at Fidelity Investments. Rather than focusing primarily on long-term investments or retirement planning, people are increasingly concerned with building emergency funds and reducing immediate debt burdens. This shift reflects a growing awareness of financial vulnerability, particularly after nearly three-quarters of Americans reported experiencing financial setbacks in 2025. Unexpected non-health emergencies affected 20% of respondents, highlighting the importance of having accessible savings. The study also revealed that 25% of Americans specifically want to build up their emergency fund in the coming year, while 23% are committed to sticking to a spending budget—practical steps that can create immediate financial stability.

Financial stress continues to weigh heavily on many Americans, with 55% feeling overwhelmed by their personal finances and 31% describing their relationship with money as stressful. This anxiety is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with 68% of Millennials and 64% of Gen Z reporting feeling overwhelmed by personal finances. The sources of this stress are multifaceted: 35% worry about saving for goals after paying bills, 34% are concerned about their ability to pay monthly bills, 30% fret about healthcare costs in retirement, and another 30% worry about having sufficient retirement savings. These concerns reflect both immediate financial pressures and long-term insecurities about financial stability. Adding to this burden, one-third of respondents reported feeling they have “significantly less money” due to rising prices, demonstrating the continued impact of inflation on household budgets despite broader economic improvements.

Despite these challenges, there are encouraging signs of resilience and optimism. A substantial 70% of Americans believe their financial situation is either better than or similar to where they were at the same time last year. Even more promising, 43% of respondents feel better about their finances compared to five years ago—a significant increase from 36% in the previous year’s study. This growing confidence suggests that while short-term concerns dominate immediate planning, many Americans perceive longer-term progress in their financial journeys. The contrast between immediate financial stress and longer-term optimism creates an interesting tension in how people view their financial situations—acknowledging current struggles while maintaining hope for future improvement.

The economic backdrop against which these financial attitudes are forming has been anything but stable. “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,” Devinney observed. These market fluctuations, combined with persistent inflation pressures throughout 2025, have likely contributed to Americans’ focus on building financial buffers. Many households reported having to dip into savings during the year, reinforcing the need to rebuild those reserves. The experience of navigating financial uncertainty appears to have prompted a more cautious, pragmatic approach to money management that prioritizes security over growth for many families.

This renewed emphasis on financial fundamentals may signal a healthy recalibration of priorities in an era of economic unpredictability. By focusing on building emergency funds, reducing debt, and controlling spending, Americans are creating stronger financial foundations that can weather future economic storms. The shift toward short-term financial goals doesn’t necessarily indicate abandonment of long-term planning, but rather acknowledges that long-term security depends on short-term stability. As Americans enter 2026 with these financial resolutions, they’re demonstrating a practical wisdom: that financial well-being requires both immediate action and patient persistence. For financial advisors and institutions, this trend suggests an opportunity to help clients balance immediate needs with long-term aspirations, creating financial plans that address both current anxieties and future goals.