Americans are Poised for a "Financial Resolution Rebound" in 2026, According to Vanguard Survey

Americans are optimistic about the New Year, prioritizing building an emergency fund and leveraging a high-yielding account for short-term savings goals, despite financial obstacles.

VALLEY FORGE, Pa., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 75% of Americans fell short of their saving and spending resolutions in 2025, but most are optimistic that 2026 will be their year for a "resolution rebound," according to Vanguard's new consumer survey. In fact, 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 as the top two resolutions.

Despite the majority (82%) feeling somewhat or very confident in their ability to achieve their financial resolution in 2026, each generation cited different obstacles to achieving these goals.

• Boomers are most concerned about unexpected expenses (29%).
• Millennials reported struggling with insufficient income (22%).
• Gen Z is most likely to live beyond their means (15%).

Across all generations, the biggest concern was how economic uncertainty (22%) would impact their ability to meet their saving and spending goals.

"Americans are focused on building emergency funds and saving for short-term goals, and they need information and tools to make smarter savings decisions so they don't fall short of their resolutions," said Matt Benchener, Managing Director of Vanguard's Personal Investor business. "Use the end of the year as a time to reset. Americans should take a close look at where they save to ensure they are earning the returns they deserve. A high-yielding savings vehicle, like Vanguard's Cash Plus Account, can earn more than eight times the average interest of a traditional bank savings account."¹

Feelings, Family, and Financial Resolutions
When it comes to how Americans feel about their ability to achieve their financial resolutions in 2026, they are split, with feelings of confidence (18%) and uncertainty (16%) cited as the top emotions. And, yet, despite these feelings, they are committed to improving their financial fitness. Keeping up with the cost of living (26%) and being prepared for emergencies or unexpected expenses (24%) are their top motivators.

Fortunately, most Americans (83%) have someone they feel comfortable speaking with about their financial goals or challenges, with partners/spouses and family topping the list.

"We recognize that discussing money, especially sharing financial resolutions and challenges with others, can be nerve-wracking and intimidating," Benchener added. "That's why Vanguard offers educational resources and tools, so people can learn more about budgeting, saving techniques, and other critical personal finance topics at their own pace. And, if consumers need extra support, financial advice is more accessible and affordable than ever. Our solutions are designed to meet investors of every stage and need."

Resources for Your Resolutions
To learn more about Vanguard's Cash Plus Account, which is currently yielding 3.50% APY (annual percentage yield) through its Bank Sweep program¹ , visit vanguard.com/cashplus.

To access educational resources and tools on important personal finance topics, visit: https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education.

To learn more about Vanguard's range of advice solutions, visit: https://investor.vanguard.com/advice.

Survey methodology
The Cash and Savings Survey was fielded by Big Village among a sample of 1,010 U.S. adults 18 years of age and older. This survey was live on October 1, 2025. Quota sampling was used to collect a nationwide sample of respondents who were weighted by gender, age, region, race/ethnicity, and education to mirror the demographical composition of the U.S. population using Current Population Survey proportions.

About Vanguard
Founded in 1975, Vanguard is one of the world's leading investment management companies. The firm offers investments, advice, and retirement services to tens of millions of individual investors around the globe—directly, through workplace plans, and through financial intermediaries. Vanguard operates under a unique, investor-owned structure where Vanguard fund shareholders own the funds, which in turn own Vanguard. As such, Vanguard adheres to a simple purpose: To take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success. For more information, visit vanguard.com.

Notes:

¹The Cash Plus sweep program APY (annual percentage yield) is 3.50% as of October 28, 2025. The APY will vary and may change at any time. APY is current as of date of publication. Current APY is available at vanguard.com/cashplus. Source for average bank savings yield of .40%: FDIC National Rate Caps as of October 20, 2025. Bank savings accounts offer different services and features than a Vanguard Cash Plus Account. For example, savings accounts often offer features like overdraft protection, ATM access, bill pay services and other conveniences that Cash Plus Accounts do not offer. Cash Plus Accounts allow you to hold certain securities that bank savings accounts cannot hold. In addition, Cash Plus Accounts are subject to fraud prevention restrictions such as holding periods and transaction limits, which may not apply to a bank savings account. There may be other differences between these products that you may want to consider before choosing which option is best for you. 

The Vanguard Cash Plus account is a brokerage account offered by Vanguard Brokerage Services, a division of Vanguard Marketing Corporation, FINRA and SIPC. Under the Sweep Program, Eligible Balances swept to Program Banks are not securities: They are not covered by SIPC but are eligible for FDIC insurance, subject to applicable limits. Money market funds held in the account are not guaranteed or insured by the FDIC but are securities eligible for SIPC coverage. See the Vanguard Bank Sweep Products Terms of Use and Program Bank list on vanguard.com for more information.  

All investing is subject to risk, including possible loss of principal. 

Advice services are provided by Vanguard Advisers, Inc., a registered investment advisor, or by Vanguard National Trust Company, a federally chartered, limited-purpose trust company. 

Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor of the Vanguard Funds.

SOURCE Vanguard