The dawn of 2026 has prompted a nationwide financial rethink, with a major new survey uncovering the money habits Britons are most keen to adopt. Commissioned by Pensions UK, the research indicates that nearly one in three (31%) working people are prioritising a review and reduction of their monthly outgoings, making it the standout new year's resolution.
Prioritising Savings and Managing Debt
Building a financial safety net has surged in importance for the year ahead. The study shows that 28% of people plan to build up their rainy day savings, a notable increase from the 21% who aimed to do so in 2025. Furthermore, over a quarter (26%) are focused on saving for a specific goal, such as a house deposit, holiday, or education costs, a figure that remains unchanged from the previous year.
When it comes to debt management, a fifth (20%) are looking to pay off what they owe, a slight decrease from 22% a year ago. Meanwhile, 16% intend to create or update their household budget, up from 15% previously, suggesting a growing desire for structured financial planning.
Growing Appetite for Investment and Pension Planning
Looking beyond immediate finances, the survey reveals a marked shift towards wealth growth through investment. Some 12% of respondents plan to open an Individual Savings Account (ISA) in 2026, rising sharply from just 7% last year. Similarly, 14% intend to invest in stocks, shares, or other assets, up from 10% previously.
Pension engagement is also on the rise. The research found that 12% plan to review their pension plan and retirement goals this year, while 10% aim to increase their contributions. When asked what action they would take if they conducted a review, nearly 30% said they would boost their pension payments. This represents a significant jump from the 20% who said the same last year.
Detailed Pension Review Actions
Other specific steps people said they would take during a pension review include:
- Checking their total pension pot (23%)
- Reviewing their projected retirement income (16%)
- Updating their beneficiaries (10%)
- Combining multiple pensions into one plan (8%)
Matthew Blakstad, deputy director of strategic policy and research at Pensions UK, commented on the findings. "The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset financial goals," he said. "While everyday needs often take priority, it is encouraging to see people increasingly willing to take action on pensions. However, experience shows that our best-laid plans for our pensions don't always translate into action."
He emphasised the importance of small, consistent steps: "Whether it's a small increase in contributions, or just checking your projected income, simple steps today can make a real difference over time. Balancing immediate responsibilities with long-term planning is never easy, but pensions remain a cornerstone of financial security."
The survey was conducted by Yonder Consulting in December, polling more than 1,500 non-retired people across the UK.
