Overview
- Fidelity reports 64% are considering a financial resolution for 2026, up from 56% last year, with saving more, spending less, and paying down debt leading priorities as rising everyday prices top concerns.
- The Boston Globe gathered eight Massachusetts advisers who recommend low-cost steps such as taking a free personal finance class and estimating annual irregular expenses, then saving a monthly amount in a separate account.
- Experts also suggest turning off one‑click purchasing to curb impulse buys, scheduling recurring “money dates” for check-ins and automation, simplifying and consolidating accounts, organizing old policies, and addressing retirement or debt gaps.
- Separate reporting cites NerdWallet data showing one‑third of Americans lack confidence they could withstand a recession and more than half expect higher prices in 2026.
- Advisers emphasize clear targets and timelines, a simple 50‑30‑20 budget as a starting point, prioritizing an emergency fund, tackling holiday or buy‑now‑pay‑later balances, and focusing on consistency over perfection.