Where Americans Are Most Likely to Stick to Their Financial Resolutions in 2026
Every January starts with good intentions—and for many Americans, 2026 is no different.
According to recent insights from WalletHub, the top financial resolutions for 2026 are refreshingly realistic: make a budget you can actually stick to and save more money. No get-rich-quick schemes. No unrealistic promises. Just steady, intentional progress.
But here’s the thing: sticking to resolutions isn’t just about willpower. Where you live can play a surprisingly big role in how successful you are—not just financially, but holistically.
To help Americans set themselves up for success all year long, WalletHub released its report on 2026’s Best and Worst Cities for Keeping New Year’s Resolutions, ranking cities based on factors like financial health, employment, physical wellness, and lifestyle habits.
The Best Cities for Keeping New Year’s Resolutions in 2026
If your goal is to sip champagne dreams while living within a bare-budget reality, these cities are leading the way:
- Seattle, WA
- Scottsdale, AZ
- Irvine, CA
- Atlanta, GA
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Orlando, FL
- Austin, TX
- Fremont, CA
- San Diego, CA
- Miami, FL
These cities tend to support healthier habits across the board—stronger job markets, lower debt delinquency, and lifestyle environments that make consistency a little easier.
The Cities Where Resolutions Are Hardest to Keep
On the flip side, some cities face steeper challenges when it comes to sustaining New Year’s goals:
- Toledo, OH
- Huntington, WV
- Montgomery, AL
- Augusta, GA
- Newark, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Dover, DE
- Shreveport, LA
- Gulfport, MS
- Jackson, MS
These rankings don’t reflect personal failure—they highlight structural hurdles like higher unemployment, debt stress, and health disparities that can make sticking to resolutions more difficult.
Why the Gap Between “Best” and “Worst” Matters
The differences between cities are striking—and telling:
- Obesity rates: Fremont, CA has a share of obese adults 3.4 times lower than Jackson, MS.
- Unemployment: Sioux Falls and Rapid City, SD have unemployment rates 5.4 times lower than Detroit, MI.
- Debt stress: Fremont, CA has 6.9 times fewer delinquent debtors than Jackson, MS.
- Binge drinking: Birmingham and Montgomery, AL report rates half as high as Missoula, MT.
- Smoking: Seattle, WA and Fremont, CA have smoking rates 3.3 times lower than Cleveland, OH.
These factors directly affect how much mental, emotional, and financial bandwidth people have to focus on long-term goals—like saving money or sticking to a realistic budget.
What This Means for Bare-Budget Living (Anywhere)
You don’t need to move cities to improve your odds in 2026.
What this data really reinforces is the power of realistic goals and supportive habits:
- Build a budget that reflects your actual life—not an ideal one.
- Automate savings where possible, even if it’s small.
- Focus on consistency, not perfection.
- Recognize external challenges—and give yourself grace while working through them.
Because whether you’re in a “best” city or a “worst” one, champagne style doesn’t come from overspending—it comes from confidence, clarity, and knowing your money is working for you.
Here’s to a financially grounded, joy-filled 2026—one realistic resolution at a time. 🥂
