Key takeaways

• Monitoring spending and building an emergency fund support financial stability
• Assess progress on goals by tracking net worth
• Having a digital estate plan and a will can prepare for the future before it’s needed

Empower findings show that 30% of Americans set money goals before the year ends. These ideas can help people stay aligned with long-term savings throughout 2026.

If you're giving a little more thought into how to reach your goals at the start of the new year, you're not alone. Empower research found that around a third of Americans set financial goals or resolutions for 2026 and create a financial plan (30%) at year’s end. Ready to commit to setting 2026 financial goals but need a little inspiration? Here are 10 New Year’s financial resolutions to spark ideas:

1. Meet your match

If you’re able, meeting your company match in your workplace retirement account is generally a good idea. There’s a reason a 401(k) match is often referred to as “free money.” You don’t have to do anything to earn it other than contribute to your retirement plan; if your retirement plan offers a match and you contribute to your 401(k), your employer also contributes funds. Many companies will typically match 50% or 100% of your contributions up to a certain percentage of your salary.

A good goal may be to contribute the minimum amount required to take full advantage of your company match – and adjustments can be made to contribute more later on.

2. Raise your retirement contribution rate

Maybe you’re already meeting your employer match amount, or you’re looking to kick up your retirement savings a notch. Contributing 10% (or even more) to your retirement plan account can be another way to jumpstart savings. And while your take-home pay will be reduced, your taxable income is also reduced if you contribute on a pre-tax basis, and your retirement nest egg has the potential to grow. For 2026, people can defer up to $24,500 in a workplace retirement plan, and there are additional catch-up contribution amounts available for savers 50 and older.

And if you're already maximizing your employer plan contributions, or don't have access to an employer plan, consider contributing to an individual retirement account.

Read more: Can I contribute to a 401(k) and an IRA?

3. Pay off personal debt

Determining how to pay off debt depends on what type of debt you have. Empower findings show that a quarter of people who carry a credit card balance owe $10,000 or more. Ensuring you understand the ins and outs of credit cards and consulting a debt payoff calculator can be a good ways to start brainstorming a plan.

Read more: 5 terms to know to use credit cards responsibly

4. Keep track of expenses

Maybe it’s a daily barista-made coffee, a premium streaming subscription or that afternoon sweet treat. Even small expenses add up and can contribute to lifestyle creep. Try to balance any new changes in spending with additional money being set aside for savings — such as in a tax-advantaged account — to keep potentially growing your nest egg. Setting an “ambitious budget” for each month could also help reduce spending by around 22%.

5. Build an emergency fund  

Cars can break down, basements flood, and injuries happen. While people may not expect the unexpected, planning ahead to create an emergency fund can help cover unforeseen expenses when the need arises.

6. Consider a financial professional

Some 20% of Americans consult a financial professional at the end of the year, according to Empower research. A financial professional can help determine financial goals, lay out different options, and provide a personalized plan.

7. Protect your digital life

With life happening increasingly more online and connected, people now juggle an average of 168 passwords. Thinking about important information, logins for financial institutions and email may come to mind, though it’s important to take stock of your entire digital life to protect yourself from fraud. Creating a secure list (with the help of a password manager or other method) can help prevent forgetting or reusing passwords and needing to reset them.

8. Calculate your net worth

Knowing your net worth gives you a big-picture view of your financial health at a given time, and being able to track it can be effective to see if your finances are on track toward your goals. People also see their average net worth shift over time, with general increases from their 20s through their 60s and then easing off in retirement.

9. Write a will

A will may help ensure your final wishes are carried out as you intend. Without one in place, your transfer of assets may be subject to a lengthy process known as probate, which involves the courts dictating how your wealth is distributed.

10. Make a financial plan

Regardless of whether you’re early in your career or nearing retirement, it pays to preserve savings for your future self. Writing down your short-term and long-term financial goals may help you make progress toward the future you imagine.

Money goals for 2026 and beyond

To keep going strong all year long, it helps to set money goals that are:

Specific: Be precise. Instead of saying, “My New Year’s resolution is to save money,” put an actual number on it. If you want to set aside more into your 401(k) or IRA account, determine an exact value like a 10% contribution rate.

Attainable: Be practical. Consider your daily habits, ongoing expenses, and estimate from there. Establish reasonable expectations that fit with your income or salary.

Durable: Be persistent. Life can throw curve balls, though Americans have shown resilience through changing job markets and inflation. Goals can be a grounding force even if timelines have to change.