Most financial goals don’t fail because they’re unrealistic. They fail because they’re vague, overwhelming, or disconnected from real life.
If your goals usually sound like “save more” or “spend less,” 2026 is a chance to try a more practical approach—one that’s realistic, flexible, and actually sustainable.
Start With One Goal (Not a Complete Reset)
One of the biggest mistakes people make at the start of the year is trying to fix everything at once. Setting too many financial resolutions at the same time often leads to burnout and abandoning goals altogether.
Instead, focus on one clear goal for the first few months of the year.
Good examples:
Know Where Your Money Is Actually Going
Before deciding what your goals should be, it helps to understand where your money is going now. Many people underestimate everyday spending—especially subscriptions, food, and small impulse purchases.
Recurring expenses are one of the biggest obstacles to consistent saving.
Tools like Spend Analyzer in the Langley app and Digital Banking can help you:
This step isn’t about judgment—it’s about clarity.
Use Age-Based Benchmarks as a Guide (Not a Scorecard)
It’s easy to feel behind when comparing yourself to others, especially online. While everyone’s situation is different, general benchmarks can provide helpful context.
Based on commonly cited guidance from mainstream financial media:
Early 20s (20–24)
Late 20s (25–29)
Early 30s (30–35)
These numbers aren’t rules—they’re reference points meant to reduce guesswork, not add pressure.
Make Your Goal Automatic
Motivation comes and goes. Systems last.
Automation is one of the most effective ways to stick to financial goals because it removes the need for constant decision-making.
Ways to automate progress:
When saving happens automatically, it becomes part of your routine—not something you have to think about.[/enhanced_bullet_list_item]
Avoid These Common Goal-Setting Mistakes
Even good intentions can backfire if goals aren’t realistic. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
Sustainable progress usually comes from small, repeatable actions—not extreme overhauls.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
Financial goals can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to start. Education and support can make the process feel more manageable.
Langley partners with BALANCE, a trusted financial education provider, to offer free webinars and tools that cover:
The Bottom Line
The financial goals you’re most likely to stick to in 2026 are:
If you focus on one habit at a time, you’ll likely make more progress than you expect by the end of the year.
Helpful Next Steps
- Try the 52 Week Savings Challenge
- Set up automatic transfers in Digital Banking
- Review your spending with Spend Analyzer
- Register for a BALANCE webinar