Key points
  • Australians are starting 2026 with a more intentional, conscious approach to spending.
  • Saving is the top goal, with many boosting emergency funds and cutting discretionary expenses.

Younger Australians are rethinking their spending, with 45% of Gen Z and 42% of Millennials feeling guilty about 2025, but ING research shows many are starting 2026 with renewed financial focus.

Matt Bowen, head of consumer and market insights at ING, said Australians are heading into 2026 with a more intentional mindset.

“It’s less about purchases and consumption driven by social pressure, and more about conscious money decisions so that we can enjoy every dollar a little more,” Mr Bowen said.

What’s in and what's out for 2026?

Saving is the country’s leading financial goal, with 72% of Australians planning to build or boost an emergency fund, while 69% intend to put money aside for travel. 

“The ambition to build an emergency fund for life’s unexpected has been an emerging savings goal over the past few years, and the fact it is now the nation's number one savings goal reflects a mindset shift to minimise the impact of unexpected events on our budget and lifestyle. 

“Recent weather events across NSW, Victoria, and Queensland have reminded many Australians that unexpected challenges can pop up at any time, and with household budgets still under pressure, it’s smart to keep some savings aside for life’s inevitable curveballs,” Mr Bowen said.

To stay on track, around three in 10 said they will cut back on takeaway food and coffee (32%), dining out (31%), and social drinking (27%).

In: Intentional spending

The research also highlights a shift toward intentional spending

Australians are investing in their health, prioritising experiences over material goods, and choosing quality items over fast fashion.

Out: Financial comparisons and money drains

At the same time, several habits are falling out of favour

Nearly a third plan to stop “keeping up with the Joneses,” ditching the pressure to match others’ spending (29%). 

Buy now, pay later services, subscription creep, daily lunch purchases, and multiple streaming services are also being scaled back.