Americans are feeling a little more confident about their finances for the coming year, but many still have doubts. A recent Harris Poll for the AICPA found that 36% feel better about their financial situation than they did last year, up from 33% in 2025. At the same time, 27% feel worse, which is a slight decrease from the previous year.  

The Journal of Accountancy reports that this slight increase in confidence is reflected in how people manage their money. Currently, 55% of Americans are delaying a purchase or financial decision, down from 61% last year. This could mean that financial pressure is easing a bit. However, more than half are still holding back on spending, mainly because prices are higher. In fact, 59% said rising costs are the main reason for putting off plans, so inflation remains a major concern.  

However, the impact is not the same for everyone. Younger Americans are still the most likely to delay purchases, with 70% of those aged 18 to 34 saying they have put off spending. In comparison, only 32% of people aged 65 and older said the same. The gap is due to factors like income stability, savings, and how much rising costs affect each group.  

The AICPA encourages people to build steady financial habits instead of aiming for perfection. “When it comes to your money, you don’t need to be perfect, you need to be consistent,” said Cary Sinnett, senior manager-Personal Financial Planning at the AICPA.