If higher prices have been grabbing your attention at the checkout line, you’re not alone. Inflation continues to affect day-to-day life for many households, with nearly half of Americans citing rising costs as their top financial concern. Grocery prices climbed meaningfully in 2025, and while forecasts suggest food inflation may cool somewhat in 2026, the pressure on household budgets remains real. That reality is driving behavior.
Rather than waiting for prices to come down, many people are choosing to be proactive and setting financial resolutions, creating plans, and taking steps to regain control. While a meaningful share of Americans describe their relationship with money as stressful, the majority report having a plan in place and feeling cautiously optimistic about the year ahead. Notably, more people are considering financial resolutions for 2026 than in the year prior, signaling a renewed focus on planning with purpose.
As we close out the year and look forward, here are several foundational steps that can help position your finances for 2026 and beyond:
Every good plan starts with clarity. Reviewing your income, spending, debts, and interest rates provides a clear picture of where you stand today and helps prioritize what comes next. Seeing everything in one place often reveals opportunities to free up cash flow, reduce unnecessary expenses, or accelerate progress toward key goals.
A budget isn’t meant to be static. As life changes, your spending plan should evolve with it. Setting realistic guardrails can reduce stress and help ensure important priorities like retirement savings aren’t pushed aside by short-term pressures. Even small, consistent adjustments can create meaningful long-term impact.
Insurance is an often-overlooked but essential part of a financial foundation. Health, life, and disability coverage help protect your plan from unexpected disruptions. The goal isn’t to plan for the worst, but to make sure a single event doesn’t undo years of progress.
Health care remains one of the largest and most unpredictable expenses. Tools like Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can help manage those costs efficiently. When available, these accounts offer meaningful tax advantages and can play a valuable role in both short- and long-term planning.
Uncertainty hasn’t gone away, and emergency savings continue to be a priority for many households. While building three to six months of essential expenses takes time, starting with a smaller, achievable goal can make the process feel more manageable. A solid cash reserve provides flexibility and peace of mind when the unexpected occurs.
For those with access to an employer retirement plan, contributing enough to receive the full employer match remains one of the most effective wealth-building moves available. It’s a simple step that can meaningfully improve long-term outcomes, especially when paired with an investment allocation aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.
High-interest debt can quietly erode financial progress. Prioritizing the payoff of balances with higher interest rates can free up future income and improve overall financial flexibility. Once that burden is reduced, more resources can be directed toward saving, investing, and long-term goals.
As 2026 approaches, the focus isn’t on perfection but on preparation. Inflation, markets, and economic conditions will continue to change. A strong financial plan is designed to adapt, providing structure, confidence, and direction regardless of what the headlines bring.
Closing out the year with clarity and entering the next with purpose can make all the difference. If you have questions or want help refining your plan for 2026, we’re here to help.
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