Washington, DC – January 16, 2026 – A new survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) reveals that Americans are entering 2026 with strong financial aspirations, but many of these goal setters worry that economic challenges could interfere with those goals. Half (50%) of Americans with 2026 financial goals fear cost of living increases (e.g., housing, groceries, utilities), could keep them from achieving those goals. Other obstacles include unexpected expenses (e.g., medical bills, car or home repairs) (41%), job/income loss or uncertainty (26%), and higher interest rates (21%).
“Americans are determined to take control of their finances in 2026, but the reality of rising costs means planning and flexibility are more important than ever,” says Pamela Ladd, CPA/PFS, AICPA’s Senior Manager of Personal Financial Planning. “Defining your goals, choosing sustainable steps and getting help from online resources or a CPA professional can help consumers stick to their goals.”
Video: Pamela Ladd offers tips to help consumers keep their financial resolutions: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/11r1cq5ngst9fmmqega23/AICPA_Pamela-Ladd_New-Year-Financial-Resolutions.mp4?rlkey=rfvslomjp31jioix45he02inp&dl=0
Key Findings:
92% of Americans have financial goals for 2026
77% say saving is among their financial goals for 2026, including saving for retirement (32%) and saving for a vacation (29%), while about a third say the same of paying down debt (e.g., credit card bills, student loans, medical debt) and investing (both 34%)
Of those Americans who had financial goals in 2025, 81% say they did not stick to them
12% of Americans who have financial goals for 2026 say that not knowing how to get started might affect their ability to reach their financial goals in 2026
Challenges Ahead:
Among Americans who have 2026 financial goals, the top things that might keep them from reaching those goals are:
50% - rising cost of living (e.g., housing, groceries, utilities)
41% - unexpected expenses (e.g., medical bills, car or home repairs)
26% - job/income loss or uncertainty
21% – higher interest rates (making borrowing or debt repayment harder)
21% – feeling stressed or overwhelmed and putting goals on hold
18% - competing financial priorities (e.g., saving for retirement, kids, vacation, emergencies)
Generational Insights:
Gen Z’s top financial goal for 2026 is saving for a car (41%)
Millennials’ top financial goal for 2026 is saving for a vacation (36%)
Gen Xers top financial goal for 2026 is saving for retirement (46%)
Baby Boomers’ top financial goal for 2026 is paying down debt (e.g., credit card bills, student loans, medical debt) and investing (both 33%)
Optimism vs. Uncertainty:
42% of Americans feel that 2026 will be much better or somewhat better financially for them than 2025
34% of Americans feel that 2026 will not be any better or worse than 2025 for them financially
24% of Americans feel that 2026 will be worse or much worse financially for them than 2025
Younger generations are more optimistic: 50% of Gen Z and 52% of Millennials feel that 2026 will be better or financially for them than 2025, compared to 29% of Baby Boomers
Lessons from Last Year:
82% of Americans had financial goals for 2025
Among those with financial goals, rising costs of living was the top reason (36%) for falling short of 2025 financial goals
Survey Method:
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of AICPA from December 18 - 22, 2025 among 2,079 adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact the AICPA.
About the American Institute of CPAs
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world’s largest member association representing the CPA profession, with 397,000 members and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.
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Contact: Kathleen Zinszer
kathleen.zinszer@aicpa-cima.com
919-726-4382 ext. 4978