With the holidays in sight, the new year is not far behind the curve, and with it, a great opportunity to start thinking about financial New Year’s resolutions. What better time of year to reconfigure your goals, spending habits and savings targets, after all.
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To help consumers jumpstart a financial clean slate, I asked ChatGPT for some of the best resolutions people could make for their money in 2026.
If you already have a budget going, bravo, congratulate yourself; that’s a great step. However, 2026 prices are poised to be higher than 2025 in some areas. So, when you review your budget, prepare for a higher spend and rework your budget for those increases, ChatGPT said. You can budget for an overall 3% inflation increase, estimate which categories will likely cost you more, such as healthcare and groceries, or try to assess your spending patterns. Revisiting your budget helps you identify where your money’s really going and frees up cash for saving and investing, the AI said.
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If 2026 prices are higher, then your need for an emergency fund also increases, ChatGPT suggested. Aim for at least three to six months of living expenses in a high-yield savings account or low fee money market account to keep ahead of inflation. ChatGPT warned that with rising living costs and economic uncertainty, even a single unexpected expense can lead to debt if you’re not prepared.
The best way to hit your financial targets, ChatGPT suggested, is to set recurring transfers to savings or retirement accounts right after payday. Automating savings removes temptation and builds wealth quietly. This way, you won’t forget to save, and you’ll benefit from compounding over time.
Carrying high-interest debt is like keeping a leg in the past, so ChatGPT suggested people tackle credit card balances and personal loans “aggressively.” Another way to think of it, if paying down debt feels unglamorous, the AI said, is that every dollar you pay toward high-interest debt gives you an instant, risk-free return, frankly better than most investments.
You aren’t getting any younger, which means eventually you’re going to hit retirement, and you want to be financially prepared. ChatGPT suggested the new year is a good time to increase contributions to your 401(k), IRA or Roth account. Additionally, older adults can take advantage of catch-up contributions, making it possible to secure a nice little nest egg by retirement.
