Let's be honest, 2025 was a bit of a rollercoaster for our wallets, wasn't it? It felt like every time we got a little ahead, some new economic headline would pop up and knock us back a step. If you’re feeling ready to turn the page and start fresh, you are definitely not alone.
There’s a real sense of optimism in the air for 2026. A new study from Edward Jones and Morning Consult just shed some light on this, and it’s pretty fascinating. It turns out a lot of us are looking at the new year with some serious ambition. In fact, two out of five Americans (that’s 41%!) say their financial goals for 2026 are way bigger and bolder than the ones they set last year.
We're not just talking about saving a few extra bucks. People are aiming high. The top three resolutions are to increase income, finally build up a solid savings account, and tackle that nagging credit card debt. It feels like a collective decision to take back control.
The Elephant in the Room: Inflation
But, as we all know, it’s not quite that simple. There’s one major hurdle that’s still making everyone nervous, and it’s the same one that tripped a lot of us up in 2025: inflation.
The survey was crystal clear on this. Nearly half of the people they talked to (49%) said inflation was the main reason they couldn't hit their financial targets last year. And looking ahead? A whopping 52% see it as the biggest potential roadblock for 2026.
It’s not just some abstract economic term, either. It’s hitting us where it hurts. Over 80% of people said inflation is directly impacting their day-to-day life. Think about your last trip to the grocery store. Did the total make your jaw drop a little? Well, 69% of people are feeling that exact same pinch on groceries, and 62% say it’s messing with their ability to save money.
Shifting Habits and Making Tough Choices
So, what are we doing about it? We’re adapting. People are getting strategic and making some real trade-offs with their spending. The numbers tell a pretty clear story:
- 44% of us are planning to spend less on eating out at restaurants.
- 34% expect to spend more on groceries (no surprise there).
- 32% are looking to cut back on travel expenses.
It's a classic case of tightening the belt where we can. As Meagan Dow, a senior strategist at Edward Jones, put it, “people do want to turn the page.” We’re all craving a fresh start and want to make 2026 the best it can be.
But that anxiety is real. “Inflation is definitely something we’ve seen a lot of anxiety over,” Dow said. And here’s the thing—we can’t personally control the national inflation rate. It can feel like you’re trying to steer a tiny boat in a massive storm.
This is where getting some good advice comes in. A financial advisor can’t stop the storm, but they can hand you a better map and help you navigate the waves. As Dow explained, an advisor can help you focus on what’s within your control. “It might be revisiting the budget. Are there areas that we can cut that give us more wiggle room if inflation is higher than what we expect?” It’s all about focusing your energy on the things you can actually influence.
We Still Trust People More Than AI
Now, here’s a part of the study I found particularly interesting. In this age of shiny new apps and AI tools promising to solve all our problems, what are people actually turning to for help?
It turns out, we’re still putting our faith in the classics: people and plans.
Over 80% of Americans said a good old-fashioned budget is the most helpful tool for sticking to their goals. What came next? Family and friends (58%) and online tools or apps (56%). And AI? It was way down the list, with only 42% finding it helpful. In fact, nearly one in five people said technology isn't helpful at all.
I have to say, that doesn't surprise me. Money is deeply personal. It’s tied to our hopes, our fears, and our dreams for the future. An algorithm can crunch numbers, but it can’t understand the feeling of wanting to provide a better life for your kids or the stress of seeing your debt pile up. Sometimes, you just need to talk it through with another human being who gets it.
A Renewed Focus on Investing
This desire to take control isn’t just about cutting back, either. People are looking to be proactive and put their money to work. Nearly a quarter of those surveyed (23%) plan to contribute more to their investments in 2026 than they did in 2025.
And many are realizing they don’t have to go it alone.
About one in five people (22%) are connecting with a financial advisor to get their 2026 goals off the ground. That number jumps to 26% for folks who feel really confident they’ll stick to their resolutions—which tells you something about the power of having a partner in your corner.
People aren't waiting, either. A third of Americans planned to meet with their advisor before the ball even dropped on New Year's Eve. Another 44% are planning to have that meeting sometime between January and March. It’s a clear sign that people are moving from just wishing for a better financial future to actively planning for it.
As Meagan Dow noted, an advisor can be a crucial accountability partner. It’s one thing to set a goal, but it’s another thing entirely to have someone who can help you “break those resolutions down into small, achievable pieces.”
So, as we dive into 2026, there’s a real sense of purpose out there. We’re dreaming bigger, planning smarter, and remembering the value of human connection in a complex financial world. It’s a challenging road, for sure, but it seems like more and more of us are ready to face it head-on.
