A new AICPA survey finds that 92% of Americans have financial goals for 2026, with the majority focused on saving (77%), including for retirement and vacations. About a third of respondents aim to pay down debt (34%) or invest (34%).
However, many goal-setters worry economic pressures could derail their plans, with rising cost of living (50%) and unexpected expenses (41%) cited as the biggest barriers, followed by job insecurity (26%) and higher interest rates (21%).
The survey also notes that 81% of people with 2025 financial goals didn’t stick to them, often due to rising costs. Financial priorities also vary by generation. While 42% feel optimistic that 2026 will be financially better than 2025, younger generations are far more confident than older adults. See more findings.