Boulder Valley Money Mindset: Are Financial New Year's Resolutions Changing for 2026?

As 2025 winds down, the familiar tradition of setting New Year's Resolutions is taking on a distinctly financial flavor across Colorado.

 

A fresh national survey reveals a fascinating paradox that seems to resonate right here in Boulder Valley.

 

A majority of Americans, nearly 60 percent, are expressing hope that 2026 will be a better year for their wallets.

 

This wave of optimism is powerful, especially after several years of economic uncertainty.

 

Yet, there's a major disconnect between hope and action.

 

Despite feeling positive about the future, only about one in four people plan to make any formal finance-related resolutions at all.

 

For those in Colorado who are setting financial goals, the priorities are clear and practical.

 

Topping the list is the desire to save more money, a timeless goal that feels more urgent than ever.

 

This is followed closely by ambitions to increase income and, critically, to spend less month-to-month.

 

Looming over these personal finance goals is the shadow of inflation.

 

More than half of the people surveyed identified rising costs as their single biggest financial worry heading into 2026.

 

It's a concern that impacts everything from grocery bills in Boulder to fuel costs for rural commuters.

 

Interestingly, many are choosing to keep these ambitions private.

 

A striking number of people say they won't be sharing their resolutions this year, perhaps to avoid the pressure of public accountability.

 

This quiet determination may be the new approach to achieving better finances in 2026.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

What is the most common financial New Year's Resolution?

 

According to recent survey data, the most popular financial resolution is to save more money, followed by earning more and spending less.

 

What is the biggest financial concern for 2026?

 

Inflation continues to be the top financial concern for a majority of Americans, influencing their spending and saving habits for the upcoming year.