You're Saving, Budgeting, and Cutting Expenses — So Why Do You Still Feel Financially Powerless? Here's the Fix
Three smart financial moves to set you up for success in 2026
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If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that Americans are far more financially disciplined than they get credit for.
The majority of Americans prioritized financial responsibility in 2025. But even with smart habits in place, many Americans still felt a nagging sense that some of the biggest financial decisions in their lives are beyond their control. It boils down to a crisis of confidence.
That’s what Scott Ford, Head of Wealth Management at U.S. Bank, told me on my podcast Money Rehab. “People are doing a lot of the right thing,” Scott said. “They’re saving, they’re budgeting, they’re cutting expenses where they can. It’s the things that are outside of their control — like the economy, inflation — that’s what’s causing a lot of anxiety for folks right now.”
So instead of reliving what felt uncertain in 2025, let’s talk about what actually matters going forward. Here are three financial challenges that showed up for a lot of people this past year — and the practical, confidence-building moves you can make in 2026 to take back the driver’s seat.
#1: Financial Success Feels Out of Reach
The 2025 problem: Many Americans still believe that homeownership is the actualization of the American Dream. In fact, 88% say homeownership is a key indicator of financial success, yet 23% have given up on buying a home due to cost.
The 2026 fix: Scott says you have to stay the course and focus on the things that are in your control— keep saving, even if it takes a little longer to buy a home. Pushing back the timeline on a dream can feel discouraging, but here’s the secret to staying motivated: visualize your goals.
Studies show that when you visualize your goals, you’re more likely to achieve them. I recommend creating a separate sub-account within your savings account and labeling it “Home Downpayment.” Seeing that nest egg grow over time, with a big “Home Downpayment” label staring back at you, will help you stay motivated in 2026.
#2: Retirement Feels Uncertain
The 2025 problem: As the cost of living continues to rise, Americans are putting their retirement goals on the back burner. Only 37% of non-retired adults are actively planning and saving for retirement, and 16% of Americans are giving up on retiring due to financial reasons.