Money Matters - WalletHub Budgeting Survey

 U.S. households added around $50 billion in new credit card debt during 2025, according to WalletHub projections, so budgeting is understandably a top priority for many Americans heading into 2026. WalletHub’s 2026 Budgeting Survey, released today, provides helpful context.

Key Findings:

• Better Than Politicians: 95% of Americans think they’re better at budgeting than the federal government.
   
• Budgeting for a Better Year: More than 4 in 5 Americans say that budgeting better is one of their top priorities for 2026.
   
• Budgeting Belongs in Classrooms: 97% of people think budgeting should be taught in high school.
   
• Inflation Hits Household Budgets: 83% of Americans with a budget say increasing costs are the biggest challenge they currently face when trying to stick to a budget.
   
• Overspending Comes With Consequences: 47% of people with a budget say they penalize themselves when they go over their budget.
   
• Budget Tools at Work: 82% of people think more employers should offer budgeting tools to employees for free.
  
   

“If you don’t have a New Year’s resolution yet, taking your budgeting efforts to the next level would be a great choice. More than 4 in 5 Americans say that budgeting better is a priority for 2026, according to a new WalletHub survey, as most of us have too much debt and not enough savings. A well-thought-out budget could be the key to changing your circumstances. You just need to find a budgeting app you like, such as WalletHub, and stick with it.”

- John Kiernan, WalletHub Editor
 

 

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