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Key Takeaways

• Building up an emergency fund and utilizing a high-yield account to reach short-term savings goals were the two most common financial goals for 2026 cited in a new survey from Vanguard.

• The investment manager surveyed Americans about their financial New Year's resolutions as investors enter the last two months of the year.

• More than 80% of Americans said they have a financial resolution, and most said they were somewhat or very confident they could achieve that goal.

As we enter the last two months of the year, it’s a good time to start thinking about how you progressed financially in 2025 and what goals you have in mind for 2026.

A new survey from Vanguard found that Americans’ top financial resolutions for 2026 include building an emergency fund, or using a high-yield account to accomplish some short-term savings goals.

Why This Matters to You

The end of the year is an ideal time to assess your financial situation and identify any changes you'd like to make or goals you'd like to set for the new year. Give yourself enough time to research and seek advice from experts on how to achieve those goals, so you can be prepared come January 1.

Americans Feel Confident About Hitting Financial Goals in 2026

The survey of over 1,000 U.S. adults found that 84% said they have at least one New Year’s resolution related to their finances, with 82% feeling either somewhat or very confident that they will be able to achieve that goal.

At the same time, however, almost three-quarters of respondents said they have fallen short of at least one financial goal this year. About a quarter of the group cited the desire to keep up with the cost of living and wanting to be prepared for unexpected costs or emergencies as their biggest motivators.

Different age groups offered varying factors that could act as their biggest obstacle to achieving their financial goals in 2026. Gen Z respondents cited their top concern as the fact that they spend more than they can afford to, Millennials cited not making enough money, and Baby Boomers' cited unexpected expenses impairing their ability to save.

Matt Benchener, managing director of Vanguard's Personal Investor business, said in the survey that Americans should use the end of the year "as a time to reset" and identify where they can save earn better returns.

Related Education

Tips to Start an Emergency Fund or Build Savings

Many Americans should consider build up a better emergency fund. Earlier this year, a Federal Reserve survey found that just 63% of a group of 12,000 U.S. adults said they WOULD be able to pay a $400 emergency expense with cash, savings, or a credit card they would pay off as soon as possible.

Investopedia has compiled a range of advice from experts on how to start and build an emergency savings fund, and where and how to find the best high-yield savings options to make the most of your money. Experts recommend starting an emergency fund with a small amount per month, and setting up an automated process to grow the fund without using it for everyday expenses.

An Investopedia analysis earlier this year pegged the amount of emergency savings the average American would need to reach six months of expenses saved at $35,000.

When it comes to high-yield savings accounts, it's important to know what the best rates are on the market today, especially as the Federal Reserve is cutting its rates, and make sure you shop around for the best fit for you and stay mindful of the terms and any potential fees that come with the account if you're opening an account at a new bank.