Americans have money on their minds, with 93%(!) saying they want to transform their money habits, according to Intuit’s 2026 Financial Wellness Report.
Whether you’re motivated by a recent life change, a financial goal, or simply the desire for more agency over your financial future, it’s always a good time to take charge of your finances and reassess your money habits for the better – including where you are, and where you want to be.
The 2026 Money Mindset
But changing your relationship with money doesn’t mean cutting everything from the budget — in fact, survey respondents shared that their preferred expense management mindset for 2026 is a “balanced budgeting” approach.
Consumers are ditching outdated budgeting methods that feel restrictive and judgmental, and embracing new money rules that prioritize balance and flexibility, but still align with their long-term goals. They understand the important role budgeting plays in maintaining financial stability, but as humans, we need room for exceptions.
Another key survey finding is that joy is the #1 feeling people chase when they spend money, even beating out security, convenience, and confidence.
But is it realistic to have a budget that allows you to spend on joy too? Joy and flexibility are great, but what about making financial progress in other areas of your life? How do long-term goals, like retirement, debt repayment, and investing come into play?
As a financial educator and personal finance author, I’m going to share actionable strategies you can use to create a money mindset that prioritizes both your long-term goals and your personal joy.
1. Align Your Spending With Your Values
First, create a welcoming environment at home. Choose a quiet day and a clutter-free space to light a scented candle, pour a cup of your favorite tea, and put on some relaxing music.
Now, make a list of what life values are important to you, and what spending categories support those values. Some examples include education, travel, self-care, and financial security. Conversely, make a list of categories others might value, but you can personally live without.
For example, health is most important to me, and this year I’m focusing on improving my sleep. I am my best self when I’ve had a full night’s rest, but lately it’s been a challenge to get enough sleep. Being aware of this value, I know I’m in the “green zone” when I’m spending money on anything that can improve my sleep, like supplements, a sound machine, or a smart ring to track my sleep data.
On the other hand, a spending category I don’t hold in high regard is technology. For me, it’s not important to have the latest version of a new phone. My phone is 4 years old and still works great, so I have no plans to spend money on replacing it until I need to.
This is what values-based spending looks like in action. The truth is, a lot of Americans spend their money based on what society, their family, or advertisers and trend culture want them to spend on. They don’t take the time to be honest with themselves about what is truly important to them. This exercise will ensure you are practicing values-based spending and avoiding wasting money on anything that isn’t truly important to you.
2. Think Long Term And Use a Flexible Budgeting Method
Now that you’ve taken inventory of your core values, you’ll need a spending plan to factor in goals like savings, debt repayment, and investments. What I recommend is automating all your necessary payments and goals so you can spend the rest guilt-free in whatever way you’d like.
To do this, you need to get clear on your fixed expenses, debt obligations, retirement contributions, and cash set aside for savings. Yes, you have to treat retirement and savings like an obligatory bill that has to be paid every month for this to actually work. It will take some time to compile this information, but the freedom that comes with this budgeting method is worthwhile.
Here’s an example. Let’s say you get paid $5,000 a month and you have the following monthly expenses:
- Fixed expenses (rent, utilities, and groceries etc): $3,000
- Total debt payments: $500
- Retirement investing: $500
- Savings: $400
Set up autopay on the four categories outlined above to automatically withdraw the day after payday. This method works because you are paying yourself first without even having to think about it, and what’s left in your bank account is your discretionary income for the month ($600).
Now here’s the best part: spend that $600 as you want! Why? Because your current bills are paid for in full, and you’ve already allocated money toward your goals. The $600 can be spent on anything from dining out and entertainment to whatever else you’re in the mood for that month.
This method gives structure to your money, balancing competing priorities and offering flexibility to spend your disposable income without having to track every dollar.
3. Break The Impulse Cycle
Even though this budgeting method offers more flexibility than others, it’s still important to evaluate your impulse spending habits and pace yourself. If your impulse spending goes unchecked, the $600 will be gone within the first week, and you’ll find yourself in the trap of either dipping into your savings or going into credit card debt to make it through the month.
We’ve all been victims of impulse shopping, especially with social media’s prevalence in our lives. In fact, 45% of survey respondents admit that impulse buys have derailed their financial goals and almost half (49%) say they’re committing to more mindful spending in 2026.
Before clicking buy, or adding that item to your cart, pause and ask yourself these questions:
- Is this a want or a need? Hint: Wants can wait!
- Is this purchase aligned with my spending values grid? Or is this just good marketing?
- Is this product or service adding to my life in a significant way, or is it just going to give me a quick fix of dopamine that will fade in a day?
- Did I want this before I saw it today?
- Will this derail my financial goals or monthly budget in any way?
Remember, money isn’t just about numbers. It’s about emotions and feelings. Adopting the right mindset and pivoting from reactive spending to intentional spending is what’s going to make you feel in control of your money and give you the confidence to continue making positive financial choices.
You Have What It Takes to Build a Financially Abundant 2026
With the cost of living weighing heavily on Americans, it’s so important to start the year by setting goals that feel attainable and commit to building financial systems that work for you.
Intuit’s ecosystem — from Credit Karma to QuickBooks to TurboTax — is designed for this moment: predictive insights, automated tools, and trusted experts to help you go from feeling overwhelmed to feeling in control. This year’s Financial Wellness Month isn’t just about resolutions — it’s about rewriting the rules of money to make this year your most financially confident yet.