Saving money remains a top financial priority for Americans in 2026, with 77% citing it as among their key financial goals, according to a survey by the American Institute of CPAs released in January.
The emphasis on saving spans multiple demographics and income levels. A Wells Fargo survey from February found that 70% of Americans listed saving more money as a top financial resolution, while 72% said saving makes them happy and 81% described it as a form of self-care.
Building an emergency fund and leveraging high-yielding savings accounts are driving the focus on saving. According to a Vanguard survey from October 2025, 84% of Americans have a financial resolution for 2026, with building an emergency fund and using a high-yielding account for short-term savings goals ranking as the top two resolutions.
Despite this optimism, Americans face real obstacles. Rising costs of living emerged as the biggest threat to achieving financial goals, with 50% of those surveyed by the AICPA citing cost-of-living increases as a potential barrier. Other challenges include unexpected expenses like medical bills or home repairs (41%), job or income loss (26%), and higher interest rates (21%).
The challenge of follow-through looms large. Nearly 75% of Americans fell short of their saving and spending resolutions in 2025, yet most remain optimistic that 2026 will be different. The AICPA survey found that 92% of Americans have financial goals for 2026, though 81% of those who set goals in 2025 did not stick to them.
Younger generations show particular optimism about 2026. Gen Z’s top financial goal is saving for a car (41%), while millennials prioritize saving for a vacation (36%), according to the AICPA data. Gen X focuses on retirement savings (46%), and baby boomers prioritize paying down debt and investing (both 33%).
Experts emphasize that success depends on practical strategies. Automating transfers, trimming subscriptions, and planning meals are among the recommended approaches to make saving feel less like sacrifice and more like progress.
Sources
- American Institute of CPAs — Survey showing 92% of Americans have financial goals for 2026, 77% cite saving as a goal, and cost of living as the top barrier.
- Wells Fargo — Survey revealing 70% prioritize saving more money, 72% say saving makes them happy, and 81% view it as self-care.
- Vanguard — Survey indicating 84% of Americans have a financial resolution for 2026, with emergency fund building and high-yielding accounts as top priorities.
