MIAMI--The holiday shopping season isn’t quite over for many Americans, as returns, lingering debt, and new budgeting resolutions take center stage in the new year, according to a new WalletHub survey.
WalletHub’s nationally representative survey finds that 64% of Americans believe 2026 will be better for their personal finances than 2025, despite widespread regret over holiday spending. Nearly half of respondents (48%) said they spent too much during the holidays, while 56% said they wish they had budgeted better, WalletHub reported.
Inflation continued to weigh heavily on consumer behavior. More than two in three Americans said rising prices affected their holiday spending more than they expected, underscoring ongoing pressure on household budgets even as the gift-giving season winds down.
Looking ahead, Americans appear more worried about future costs than past purchases. Nearly three in four respondents said they are more concerned about potential health care cost increases than their holiday shopping debt, according to the survey.
To regain control, many consumers are tightening their finances. Nearly 60% said they plan to follow a strict budget in the months ahead to offset holiday spending and stay on track with their financial goals, WalletHub said.