If you’re planning to get your money in order in 2026, you’re not alone.

The majority of Americans (64%) are considering a financial goal for the new year, according to a recent Fidelity study. The resolutions at the top of folks’ lists include:

• Save more money (44%)
• Pay down debt (36%)
• Spend less (30%)

So what’s the secret to setting a resolution… and actually achieving it? This guide covers how to set realistic financial goals for the new year—and how KashKick can help you achieve them.

Why Most Beginners Fail to Meet Their Money Goals

Why do so many people fail to hit their money goals? (You’re not alone!) 

It’s not because they don’t want to improve their finances. Often, it’s because their goals are too big or too vague. Think: I want to save $10,000 or I’m going to pay off all my debt! 

Even with these lofty goals, many people focus on their month-to-month budgets. In fact, only 18% of Americans actually have a long-term financial plan, according to a study by Northwestern Mutual. This can work for a while, but it often leads to overspending when unexpected costs pop up.

Another common mistake is trying to cut back on everything all at once. It can feel like a financial crash diet—exhausting and hard to keep up.

The Importance of Setting Achievable Money Goals

We all want to save more, buy that dream house or perhaps even retire early. But here’s the deal: Going big without a plan can leave you feeling stuck fast. That’s why setting smaller, more realistic goals—ones you can actually reach—makes all the difference. It keeps you motivated and moving forward.

In fact, one of the top reasons Americans said they were able to keep up with their financial resolutions in 2025 was because they created a goal that was realistic and easy to maintain over the long-term, Fidelity found.

So, what does a realistic resolution look like? Instead of aiming for something huge, like “I’ll save $10,000 this year,” try something like, “I’ll save $200 each month.” That feels way more doable. Every small goal you hit feels like a win, and those wins add up.

Tracking progress is easier, too. Let’s say you’re working on paying off credit card debt. Committing to $100 a month means you can actually see that balance going down, little by little. And nothing feels better than knowing it’s working. That’s what keeps you going.

And here’s a bonus: Life’s unexpected surprises feel easier to handle with smaller goals. If a surprise bill shows up, having bite-sized goals makes it way easier to adjust without feeling like you’re back at square one. Maybe you save a little less that month, but you’re still on track.

Here’s a cool stat: In another study, Fidelity found that people who break down goals are 36% more likely to feel in control of their money. Smaller goals let you enjoy the journey. It’s not about the struggle; it’s about feeling good as you go.

Think of it like this: Setting small, realistic goals is like planning a road trip with stops along the way. Each stop feels like a little win and, before you know it, you’re closer to your destination.

Start By Assessing Your Complete Financial Status

The first step to reaching any money goal is taking stock of your current situation. That means taking an in-depth look at your finances: income, expenses, debts and savings. Simple, right?

But here’s the catch: A survey by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling found that 60% of people don’t track their spending or budget. Without a clear view, it’s easy to lose track.

Here’s how to get started:

• Step 1: Start by jotting down all your income sources. Then, go through your monthly expenses, from essentials like rent and groceries to extras like eating out and streaming services. Don’t forget your debt. Knowing what you owe—and to whom you owe it—can help you see what’s holding you back.
• Step 2: Add up any savings and investments. This pulls everything together so you know exactly where you stand. It might sound simple, but having these numbers in front of you makes it so much easier to set realistic goals.

Yes, tracking it all can feel like a hassle—but the rewards are so worth it. Knowing your numbers is the first step to building a plan that actually works. 

🥷 KashKick tip: There are apps and tools that’ll help you get a clearer view of your finances—and you can get rewarded when you sign up through KashKick. For example, Monarch Money connects all your accounts and builds customizable charts to help you track your money and even monitor your net worth! Even better, you can earn up to $36 when you sign up through KashKick.

If Monarch Money isn’t available on KashKick, there are plenty of other budgeting apps that can help—and reward—you!

How to Achieve 7 Common Financial Resolutions

It’s the perfect time to set some solid financial goals. Looking to save more, spend less or tackle debt? Getting your finances in shape is a fantastic way to start fresh.

1. Set a Savings Goal

At the start of a new year, many people want to save money for a trip, a wedding, a new car or another big purchase. Setting specific and achievable savings goals is a crucial step to getting there.

• Step 1. Start by pinpointing exactly what you want to achieve. Want to save up for a new car? Great! How much do you need? By when? Getting specific helps transform a vague dream into a tangible target.
• Step 2. Make sure your goals are achievable. It’s cool to aim high, but keep it realistic. Think about what you can reasonably accomplish with your current income and expenses. This isn’t about setting limits—it’s about creating a plan you can stick to without getting burnt out or feeling discouraged.

And remember, small steps are key. Instead of aiming to stash away a huge amount right away, break it down into smaller, manageable chunks. It’s less overwhelming and way more doable.

🥷 KashKick tip: Give yourself a little breathing room with some extra income. Use a rewards platform like KashKick to make money by playing games, taking surveys and more in your free time. As soon as you earn $10, you can cash out through PayPal, gift cards or a charity donation.

 2. Create a Budget

Creating and implementing a budget is a great first step to better understand your finances and work toward your other goals. And don’t worry: This doesn’t mean pinching pennies on everything. It’s about making smart choices that align with both your values and financial goals. 

• Step 1: Know where your money is going. Before setting limits, track your spending for a month. You might be surprised at what you find. Those little coffee runs can really add up!
• Step 2: Categorize your expenses. Split them into “needs” like rent and groceries and “wants” like dining out and other luxuries. This is where you can start making cuts if needed. But remember: It’s about balance. Cutting out all the fun can make a budget hard to stick to.
• Step 3: Set limits for each category. Stick to these limits to keep your spending in check. This is how you take control.

Revisit your budget every now and then. As life changes, your budget should evolve, too. Keep tweaking it to find what works best for you.

3. Pay Off Debt

Paying off debt might not sound like the most fun thing to do, but think of it as cleaning up after a big party. It’s necessary to start fresh. Getting rid of debt frees you up to save more and live better.

• Step 1: List out all your debts. Include everything from credit card balances to student loans. Knowing exactly what you owe is the first big step.
• Step 2: Prioritize your debts. Some folks like to knock out the smaller debts first for quick wins—it’s super motivating! Others might choose to tackle the ones with higher interest rates to save money in the long run.
• Step 3: Focus on budgeting extra money each month to put toward these debts. Even a little extra can make a big difference.

Remember: Your financial resolution should be specific and achievable! Rather than “I want to pay off my credit card debt,” determine a specific amount per month you want to pay down.

🥷 KashKick tip: There are programs and experts out there to help you pay off your debt. They also offer a nice little dose of accountability! Check KashKick’s deals for rewards. 

For example, right now KashKick will reward you $125 when you sign up for National Debt Relief. If you have more than $10,000 in unsecured credit card debt, they can help you pay it off—for less. Start with a free debt relief consultation and make your first deposit for that $125 from KashKick!

4. Build an Emergency Fund

A robust emergency fund is your financial safety net for those “just in case” moments. Car breaks down? Unexpected medical bill? Job situation changes overnight? That’s when your emergency fund comes into play, turning a potential financial nightmare into a manageable hiccup.

• Step 1: Determine how much you want to save. Aim for three to six months’ worth of expenses. It sounds like a big chunk, but you don’t have to do it all at once! Start small, maybe with just a bit from each paycheck. 
• Step 2: Set up a separate bank or savings account to stash this money. Bonus if you feel comfortable setting up auto-transfers! Then, you can set it and forget it.

5. Improve Your Credit Score

A good credit score means you could get better interest rates on loans and credit cards, saving you some serious cash. So, how do you pump up those numbers?

• Step 1: Keep an eye on your credit reports. Mistakes can sneak in and pull your score down. You can snag a free report every year from each major credit bureau.
• Step 2: Always, always pay your bills on time. Even one late payment can ding your score. Pro tip: Set up automatic payments so you never miss a beat.
• Step 3: Keep your credit card balances low. Using too much of your available credit can look like you’re stretching yourself thin. The sweet spot? Try to use less than 30% of your limit.

🥷 KashKick tip: Did you know KashKick has a whole section of deals dedicated to improving your credit? Remember: It’s important to reward yourself as you work toward your financial resolution, and KashKick is a great way to do just that!

There are tons of options to help you out, but if you have zero or low credit, try a credit-builder card like Firstcard. You’re already pre-approved with no credit checks. and no credit history is required. Plus, in addition to building credit, you can earn up to 4% APY on your money and 15% cash back on purchases. 

Oh, and when you get approved, KashKick will throw in a $15 bonus!

6. Automate Your Money Management 

Automating your financial management streamlines your life and ensures all your financial tasks get handled on time, every time. Imagine this: No more late fees or missed payments!

• Step 1: Start by setting up automatic payments for your usual bills—rent, utilities, credit cards. This way, you don’t have to stress over due dates again. It’s a total game-changer!
• Step 2: Automate your savings. Pick an amount to tuck away each month and set it to transfer to your savings account automatically. Watching your savings grow without any extra effort feels amazing, right?

Setting up these automations not only keeps your financial health on track but also frees up your time to focus on other fun stuff. Set it, forget it and let the system do the work. Less hassle, more saving—what’s not to love?

7. Start Planning Now for Retirement

Starting now is a smart move. The sooner you start, the more time your money has to grow. Thanks to compound interest, that’s like money magic. Every buck you save today is paving the way to a chill retirement.

• Step 1: Look into a retirement account like a 401(k) or IRA. This can be a game-changer when you’re ready to kick back. 
• Step 2: Calculate how much you need to retire comfortably. Try to chuck in a bit of cash regularly—even if it’s just a little. Automating these small deposits from your paychecks or extra money you make online can be helpful, too.

Remember: It’s never too early or too late to get started, and you don’t have to save for your entire retirement by the end of the year, so take it one step at a time.

Final Words: Stay Committed to Your Financial Resolutions

Staying on track with your money goals isn’t always easy, but it’s so worth it. It’s all about those small wins—saving a little here, sticking to your budget there. You might not see huge changes overnight, but every step you take is one step closer to where you want to be.

And, hey, don’t beat yourself up if you slip up from time to time. It happens to everyone! What matters is that you keep going. Celebrate the little victories, because they add up in the long run.

If you’re looking to boost your income—and earn some rewards when you start using money tools—check out KashKick. And when you need a break from your resolutions (breaks are important!), play games and take paid surveys to keep earning. As soon as you collect $10, you can cash out through PayPal, grab a gift card or make a donation!

🎊  Cheers to 2026 and achieving all your money goals this year!