Guardian Accounting was Recently featured again on Bay News 9 in a recent segment titled: Finances and the economy: What’s in store for 2026?
Click here to Watch the Video Segment or Read the Interview: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2026/01/01/finances-and-the-economy—what-s-in-store-for-2026-
TAMPA, Fla. — As 2026 gets underway, financial experts say the year ahead will bring a mixed outlook for Americans, largely depending on income level.
While higher-income earners may feel relatively stable, middle- and lower-income households are expected to continue facing pressure from rising prices and high interest rates.
According to financial professionals, smart budgeting and debt management could make a major difference in starting the new year on solid financial footing.
Following the holiday shopping season, total U.S. credit card debt is expected to rise above $1.23 trillion, the level recorded at the end of the third quarter of 2025. High interest rates on borrowed money mean many households are paying significantly more to carry balances month-to-month.
Despite these challenges, there is some positive economic news.
The job market remains resilient, with no widespread layoffs currently expected. That stability has economists projecting GDP growth of 2.3 percent in 2026, offering some reassurance as consumers navigate higher costs.
Steve Ribble of Guardian Accounting Group says the start of a new year is an ideal time for people to reassess their financial habits.
“Start off 2026 by looking back at 2025 and analyzing your spending habits,” Ribble said. “Grab your credit card statements and bank statements, look over a three-month window, and get an idea of where your money is actually going. Day to day, people often don’t realize how much they’re spending.”
Ribble recommends trimming unnecessary expenses and focusing on paying down existing debt to relieve financial stress throughout the year.
There may also be some relief when tax season arrives.
Ribble says many Americans could see larger refunds or owe less in taxes this April.
A federal spending bill passed by Congress in the fall is expected to deliver roughly $100 billion in tax savings, which tax payers will receive during the 2025 tax filing season.
Housing remains another key financial issue, particularly in Florida.
A recent Realtor.com report shows Tampa leading all U.S. metro areas in foreclosures.
That trend could spell trouble for homeowners who purchased properties at peak prices in 2023 and 2024, as some may see short-term declines in home values. However, for prospective buyers, higher foreclosure rates may present opportunities.
Historically, increased foreclosures tend to drive down home prices, potentially making the market more accessible for those looking to buy.