Why Aussies are ditching wellness trends for wealth in 2026

At a glance

• Half of Australians now put financial improvement at the top of their New Year priorities.
• Millennials feel the most pressure, with up to 62% focused on boosting their finances.
• Women are slightly more likely than men to prioritise financial wellbeing.
• Health and family goals trail far behind money-related goals.
• Budgeting, emergency savings and reviewing loans are key steps Australians are taking.

As we come to the end of January, Australians are re-evaluating what truly matters to their wellbeing, and financial stability has risen firmly to the top.

If you've started to think more about your bank balance than your gym membership, you're not alone.

New research from MLC has found that one in two Australians have placed financial improvement at the centre of their New Year priorities. This marks a shift in how Australians are thinking about their overall wellbeing.

How are cost-of-living pressures shaping Australians' priorities?

Amid the impact of cost-of-living pressures and growing economic uncertainty, financial wellbeing has become the foundation on which Australians are choosing to rebuild confidence in the year ahead. Even reducing screen time, once a popular "starting fresh" resolution, sits at just 2.5%.

This focus is particularly pronounced among millennials who continue to face some of the heaviest financial pressures.

Among those aged 31 to 45, 62% say their top priority for 2026 is improving their financial position.

Close behind, 58% of those aged 18 to 30 report the same, although perhaps surprisingly, 81% said they maintained or increased their discretionary spending last year, despite rising prices. Older Australians, while somewhat less concerned overall, still show strong engagement, with 46% of people aged 61 to 79 placing finances at the top of their New Year list.

Women are especially focused on improving their financial wellbeing, with 56% nominating financial goals as their primary priority, compared with 54% of men.

Outside of improving finances, eating healthier (12%) and making more time for family (8%) rank next as the next highest priorities for Australians.

Why is financial wellbeing key to overall happiness? 

The findings reinforce Australians understanding that financial stability underpins their ability to achieve other life goals. Without the stress of mounting bills or unexpected expenses, people feel better equipped to focus on health, relationships and long-term aspirations. In a volatile economic climate, being financially proactive can be empowering.

With that in mind, there are practical steps individuals can take to build a stronger financial footing in 2026.

1. Establish a budget 

A budget isn't about saying no, it's about making conscious choices so your money goes where you want it to.

A budget is permission to spend, within the boundaries that you set and are comfortable with. You don't have to do it alone either!

There are a range of free online tools, calculators and resources, such as MoneySmart's budget planner, or MLC's Money View tool, which can help you form a clear picture of your current financial situation, set long-term goals for you and your family and understand how much you could have in retirement.

2. Build an emergency fund  

One of barriers to financial wellbeing is not having enough money for the unexpected expenses life can throw your way.

That's why having an emergency fund is so important. Even small, regular contributions can boost confidence and give households more breathing room.

Not sure where to start? Consider matching the cost of your daily coffee and putting that amount into your emergency savings.

3. Review existing loans, memberships and subscriptions  

If you have a home loan, ask your lender for a rate review. Banks will often negotiate. If you've got multiple debts, for example a credit card, Afterpay, a personal loan or a mortgage, think about whether there's a benefit to consolidating your debt, or coming up with a plan to work out which is the most effective way to tackling repayment.

It's also worth reviewing your memberships and subscriptions to ensure they still offer the best value for your needs.

Looking ahead

The findings highlight an interesting moment in the Australian financial landscape. Australians are no longer viewing financial wellbeing as a secondary concern - it's becoming the lens through which many are approaching the year ahead.

This shift reflects a recognition that confidence, security and long-term planning are central to maximising your financial wellbeing.

Get stories like this in our newsletters.