The majority of UK adults feel positive about their finances for 2026, but there is a gender and generation gap, according to new research from Aegon.
Six in 10 adults (60%) said they are positive about their finances, with 11% feeling “extremely positive” and 49% “somewhat positive”, compared to 36% who feel negative overall.
The figure matches last year’s 60% positivity figure but builds on the 52% who said they felt positive in early 2024.
However, women were found to be less positive (55%) than men (65%). Similarly, Generation X are less upbeat (49%) than other age groups.
The research showed that the top three financial priorities for 2026 are covering basic living expenses (39%), building emergency savings (34%) and enjoying life (33%). Pension saving also remains significant, making it into the top three financial priorities for 12% of respondents.
Steven Cameron, pensions director at Aegon, said: “As we move into 2026, it’s encouraging that overall positivity about finances has held up, with six in ten feeling upbeat about their finances, in line with our 2025 findings.
“However, the picture isn’t uniform. Women remain less positive than men, and Gen X stands out as the least upbeat generation when it comes to their finances for 2026. Perhaps surprisingly Gen Z, Millennials, Boomers and the Silent Generation all have a clear majority for positivity towards their finances for the year ahead.
“While short-term financial pressures and concerns dominate, pension saving does feature as a top three priority for around one in eight. With today’s continuing cost of living pressures, the short-term focus is not a surprise. But for many people, pension saving will need to be given greater priority in future if they are to build up an adequate income for retirement. This shows the importance of the Government’s Pension Commission looking at ways to improve pension adequacy.”
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