Marvin OnumonuAegon’s research found that 60% of people in the UK felt positive about their finances for 2026, holding firm from last year and up from 52% at the start of 2024.
Of those surveyed, 11% said they felt “extremely positive” and 49% “somewhat positive”.
Meanwhile, 36% felt negative about their financial outlook.
Women had a net positivity score of 55%, while men were higher at 65%.
Generation X, aged 44–59, were the least upbeat at 49%.
Millennials stood at 68% and Generation Z at 64%.
The top three financial priorities for 2026 were covering basic living expenses at 39%, building emergency savings at 34% and enjoying life at 33%.
Pension saving was a top-three priority for 12%.
Short-term pressures were clear, with unexpected expenses named as the biggest concern by one third 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.”
Cameron added: “Covering basic living costs continue to dominate priorities, with building emergency savings and enjoying life second and third in the priority list.
“The top concern, given by one third of those surveyed, is around unexpected expenses.
“While short term financial pressures and concerns dominate, pension saving does feature as a top three priority for around one in eight.”
He said: “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.”
