With economic uncertainty continuing to shape financial decisions, Britons are setting clear priorities for their money management in the coming years. A comprehensive nationwide survey has uncovered the top financial resolutions among UK residents as they look toward 2026, with debt reduction, emergency savings, and property investments leading the way.
The newly released Financial Futures Survey, conducted by YouGov in partnership with the Financial Conduct Authority, gathered responses from over 5,000 UK adults across diverse income brackets. The results paint a telling picture of how economic pressures and evolving financial landscapes are influencing personal financial strategies.
According to the survey findings, nearly 68% of respondents have identified reducing personal debt as their primary financial objective for 2026. This marks a significant 12% increase compared to similar surveys from previous years, reflecting growing concerns about interest rates and inflation pressures on household budgets.
“We’re witnessing a fundamental shift in financial priorities,” explains Sophia Richardson, personal finance analyst at the Institute for Fiscal Studies. “After years of economic volatility, people are increasingly focused on building resilience rather than pursuing aggressive growth strategies with their money.”
Emergency fund building claimed the second spot on the list, with 61% of participants indicating they plan to establish or strengthen their financial safety nets. This trend is particularly pronounced among millennials and younger Gen Z respondents, with 74% prioritizing this goal—likely influenced by employment uncertainties experienced during recent economic disruptions.
The survey reveals interesting regional variations as well. London residents showed stronger interest in property investment (58%) compared to the national average (41%), while respondents from Northern England and Scotland placed higher priority on pension contributions (53% versus 44% nationally).
Technology adoption in financial management continues to accelerate, with 73% of respondents planning to use digital tools and apps to track spending and achieve financial goals. This represents a substantial increase from 59% just two years ago, demonstrating how fintech solutions are becoming mainstream for everyday money management.
“The democratization of financial technology has transformed how people engage with their money,” notes Amir Hassan, chief economist at Barclays Digital Banking. “What we’re seeing is not just adoption of tools, but a fundamental shift in financial behaviors enabled by these technologies.”
Retirement planning features prominently in the financial priorities, though with notable generational differences. While 76% of respondents over 50 ranked pension optimization as their top financial goal, only 32% of those under 35 placed it in their top three priorities. This disparity highlights ongoing challenges in encouraging long-term financial planning among younger demographics.
Housing remains a complex issue in financial planning. The survey indicates that 47% of renters have set homeownership as a primary 2026 goal, yet 63% express pessimism about achieving it given current market conditions. Existing homeowners, meanwhile, are increasingly focused on mortgage refinancing opportunities (38%) and property investments (29%).
Investment strategies show evolving preferences as well. Sustainable investing continues to gain traction, with 41% of respondents expressing intentions to align investments with environmental or social values. Cryptocurrency investments have declined in priority, with only 12% listing them as a key financial goal—down from 27% in 2023.
“What’s particularly striking about these results is how they reflect a return to financial fundamentals,” observes Emma Thompson, financial education director at The Money Charity. “After years of speculative investment trends dominating headlines, we’re seeing renewed focus on debt management, emergency preparedness, and steady wealth building.”
The survey also reveals concerning gaps in financial education. Only 29% of respondents expressed confidence in their understanding of basic investment principles, while 58% admitted to feeling overwhelmed by financial planning. This suggests a continuing need for accessible financial literacy resources.
As Britons navigate economic uncertainties, these financial priorities offer valuable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and employers seeking to support financial wellbeing. The emphasis on debt reduction and emergency savings indicates a population focused on stability first—a prudent approach given projected economic headwinds.
For those looking to align with the top financial priorities identified in this survey, experts recommend starting with a comprehensive budget review, systematically tackling high-interest debt, and establishing an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of essential expenses before pursuing more ambitious financial goals.
The complete UK Financial Goals Survey 2026 report will be published next month, offering deeper demographic analysis and trend forecasting to help individuals and organizations prepare for the evolving financial landscape.
