Generation X people - who are mostly aged between 44 and 59 - are the least positive age group about their finances for 2026 compared to Millennials and Gen Z.

Millennials (aged 29-44) are most positive with more than two thirds - 68% - feeling upbeat about their finances for this year.

Gen Z people (aged approx 13-28) are slightly less positive with less than two-thirds – 64% - feeling upbeat.

In comparison less than half - 49% - of Gen X are positive. They are working generation closest to retirement which may be a factor.

New Financial Priorities research from Aegon revealed that three out of five people - 60% - feel positive about their finances for 2026. That matched last year’s results which, in turn, were an improvement on the 2024 results.

In total, 11% said they feel “extremely positive” and 49% “somewhat positive”, compared to 36% who feel negative overall, according to the study.

There is also a gender gap when it comes to being upbeat about finances with women noticeably less positive than men, recording 55% positivity versus males’ 65%.

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.”

When asked to pick from a long list, people said their top three financial priorities for 2026 were covering basic living expenses (39%), building emergency savings (34%) and enjoying life (33%). 

Pension saving remained significant, recorded as a top three  financial priority for 12%.

Aegon said that while it's not surprising that short-term pressures are taking precedence, the comparatively low level of priority for pensions could be worrying when many people are not on track for an adequate retirement income.

Mr Cameron said: “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.”

• Opinium Research for Aegon. Fieldwork 19–23 December 2025, sample of 2,000 UK adults, weighted to be nationally representative.