The start of a new year often brings renewed motivation to set goals, especially when it comes to finances. In fact, a recent study by Fidelity of over 3,000 Americans revealed that 64% of people say they’re considering a financial resolution this year, up from the 56% who made one in 2025. That same study also found that of the people making financial resolutions this year, 49% are looking to gain greater peace of mind, 47% living a debt-free life, and 35% getting control of their daily expenses.
While those are great motivations – many people fall short of accomplishing their resolutions because they are not specific, realistic, or actionable. And because of that, people go through the year falling short of what they set out to do.
In this blog, we’ll share key considerations for setting financial goals that are achievable this year.
Before you put pen to paper to document your new goals, it’s important to reflect on your financial situation over the last year.
Did you find yourself stressed about money? Did you spend more than you intended? Were you able to save consistently? Were you able to have experiences or purchase things that you wanted to?
Next, review your financial activity from the past year and reflect on how and where you were spending your money. This step often brings clarity and sometimes a few surprises. You may discover that your weekly coffee runs actually added up to several hundred dollars, or that you are paying for subscriptions you rarely use.
To save you time on this step, budget tracking programs like Mint or Rocket Money are resources that sync with your accounts and credit cards to categorize your income and expenses and clearly outline where your money was going. Seeing everything laid out in one place can help you clearly understand where your money has been going, and where it might be better used moving forward.
Now that you have an accurate look at your current situation, it’s time for the fun part – dreaming up what you want to achieve in the year ahead!
It is also important to consider your spouse, partner, or entire household when creating your budget. Having a budget planning meeting with your partner or household ensures that everyone has a say in the financial decisions. For more tips on how to have a successful budget planning meeting, see our related blog post here.
Every person is going to have their own goals they are working towards. It could be reducing debt by 30% or contributing 5% more to your 401(k). The list goes on.
Whatever it is, make sure it is as specific as it can be, and that specific goal is realistic for you and your family given the income, responsibilities, and the lifestyle you want to maintain. When goals align with your real life, not an idealized version of it, you’re far more likely to stick with them throughout the year.
Setting and achieving financial goals can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling competing priorities. The great news is that you don’t have to do this alone. Financial advisers can help by understanding your specific goals and build an action plan that is feasible for you and your family.
They will also be able to identify and suggest opportunities you might be missing such as tax-efficient strategies, investment adjustments, or ways to better align your money with your long-term priorities. They can also provide accountability and guidance as life inevitably changes throughout the year.
According to a Colombia University study, while nearly half of Americans create New Years resolutions, only about 10% accomplish their goals. Let 2026 be the year you are among that 10%! With clear goals, a realistic plan, and the right support, you can build financial confidence and make meaningful progress toward the future you want.
If you’d like support or guidance along the way, we’re here to help. Click here to get connected with an Adviser.