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.
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.”