Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of setting financial New Year's resolutions as a way to reassess goals, spending habits, and savings targets for the upcoming year [1] Budgeting - Consumers are advised to rework their budgets for anticipated higher costs in 2026, with an overall inflation increase estimated at 3%. Key categories likely to see price increases include healthcare and groceries [3] Emergency Fund - The need for an emergency fund is highlighted, suggesting that individuals should aim for three to six months of living expenses in a high-yield savings account to prepare for rising living costs and economic uncertainty [4] Savings and Investments - Automating savings and investments is recommended as a strategy to achieve financial targets, with recurring transfers to savings or retirement accounts set up right after payday to benefit from compounding [5] Debt Management - The article suggests that individuals should aggressively pay down high-interest debt, as each dollar paid towards such debt provides an instant, risk-free return [6] Retirement Planning - Increasing contributions to retirement accounts such as 401(k), IRA, or Roth accounts is advised, especially for older adults who can take advantage of catch-up contributions to enhance their retirement savings [7]