At a Glance
- Many people are setting 2026 financial resolutions focused on debt payoff, savings, and balanced enjoyment.
- Experts advise turning resolutions into actionable plans and checking credit reports first.
- Real stories: a house sale to pay debt, weekly savings, and building emergency funds.
- Why it matters: These strategies help readers avoid unattainable goals and create realistic, trackable progress toward financial health.
The new year is a prime time for many to set financial goals. This year, a range of individuals-from a former magazine editor to a TikTok creator-share how they plan to tackle debt, boost savings, and still enjoy life. Their stories offer concrete steps and expert advice for anyone looking to make 2026 a year of financial progress.
Setting Realistic Financial Resolutions
Erica Grundza of Betterment says the start of a new year is ideal for reviewing and realigning goals. She stresses focusing on the “why” behind money rather than past mistakes. Many people turn resolutions into unattainable dreams, but a coach suggests a different approach.
- Focus on the future, not the past.
- Reestablish the “why” behind money.
- Turn resolutions into actionable plans.
MarieYolaine Toms said:
> “What I say every year is that I am not making resolutions, I’m making plans that can be tracked forward, traced back, and tweaked until completion.”
Debt Payoff Strategies
Rachel Pelovitz lost her job in September and faced mounting debt. She and her husband sold their house to pay off credit card debt and plan to invest. Their goal is to eliminate half of the debt by 2026.
Rachel Pelovitz said:
> “Rather than rely on getting more debt, we are currently selling our house.”
Savings and Emergency Funds
Jenni Lee wants to save for a house and cut unnecessary spending. She plans to reduce clothing and eating out. Melanie Duarte is building an emergency fund while paying off student loans and credit card debt.
- Weekly savings of $10 or $25.
- Cutting discretionary spending.
- Including $50 in budget.
Jenni Lee said:
> “I’m now in my late 20s, I’m starting to really think about where I pinch now so it won’t hurt later when I finally decide to purchase and own a place.”
Melanie Duarte said:
> “I made sure to include it in my budget, even if it’s something as small as like $50. I just want to make sure I still put something in (my emergency fund) so that it eventually multiplies.”
Balancing Enjoyment and Savings
Tiana Stewart wants to enjoy life and travel while still saving. She focuses on debt payoff, savings, and investing. Lynnette Khalfani-Cox offers tips for clearing post-holiday debt.
Tiana Stewart said:
> “I do understand saving for retirement is important, but I also want to enjoy my life and the money that I work for at this time, especially being in my 20s.”
| Person | Goal | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Erica Grundza | Review & realign financial goals | Focus on the “why” and realistic vision |
| MarieYolaine Toms | Make actionable plans | Check credit reports, add $25 weekly |
| Rachel Pelovitz | Pay off half of credit card debt | Sell house, debt consolidation |
| Jenni Lee | Save for a house | Cut clothing/eating out, weekly savings |
| Melanie Duarte | Build emergency fund | Include $50 in budget |
| Tiana Stewart | Balance enjoyment & savings | Travel, pay debt, invest |
Key Takeaways
- Turn resolutions into actionable, trackable plans.
- Pay off debt by selling assets and consolidating.
- Build savings and emergency funds even with small contributions.
By following these real-world examples, anyone can set realistic financial goals for 2026 and turn the new year into a stepping stone toward lasting financial health.
