In a sign that the K-shaped economy is impacting financial planning clients, CFP^® professionals report clients feel both cautious (53%) and optimistic (36%) about year ahead

Americans working with CFP^® professionals are approaching 2026 with cautious optimism and strong confidence in achieving their financial goals, even as uncertainty dominates financial planning conversations, according to CFP Board's 2026 CFP^® Professionals Financial Outlook Survey.

The political environment has emerged as the primary concern clients are raising with their advisors. Half of CFP^® professionals report clients mention it in relation to reaching their financial goals — surpassing concerns such as inflation and prices (39%), the national economy (34%) and market stability (34%).

Still, the survey finds that half (49%) of clients have a positive outlook for the year ahead. Confidence in their financial plans is high, with 80% expecting to achieve long-term goals and 72% expecting to reach short-term goals.

“When uncertainty grows, the value of professional financial planning becomes even more clear,” said CFP Board CEO Kevin R. Keller, CAE. “CFP^® professionals provide the strategic direction that helps clients maintain confidence and stay focused on their long-term objectives, even when circumstances feel unpredictable.”

Complex Emotions, Clear Confidence

Client emotions about 2026 reflect the complexity of the moment. While 36% feel optimistic and 24% feel confident, many describe themselves as cautious (53%), uncertain (43%) or anxious (36%).

Regardless of their individual outlook, clients are taking action. Nearly half (48%) of CFP^® professionals say their clients are more likely to increase investment levels in 2026, while many are also planning home repairs or renovations (40%), vacations (35%) or retirement (39%).

“The current landscape calls for proactive financial planning that addresses both immediate concerns and long-term objectives,” said Kevin Roth, Ph.D., Managing Director of Research at CFP Board. “CFP^® professionals are helping clients separate sound financial strategy from emotional reactions to political headlines, guiding them to make decisions based on personal goals rather than external noise.”

Tax Optimization and Comprehensive Planning Top 2026 Recommendations

CFP^® professionals are focusing 2026 planning conversations on retirement planning (67%), tax planning (58%), investment planning (51%), estate planning and wealth transfer (44%), and health-care costs (30%).

In response to the current environment, two-thirds of CFP^® professionals are recommending clients focus on tax optimization (69%) and developing or revising their financial plan (62%). Additional top strategies include increasing retirement savings (44%) and investing in the stock market (38%).

Competent and ethical financial planning helps Americans navigate complex financial landscapes. CFP^® professionals are uniquely positioned to help clients maintain perspective, optimize their financial strategies and achieve their goals regardless of political and economic volatility.

To find a CFP^® professional who can help you navigate 2026 with confidence, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.

Read the full 2026 CFP^® Professionals Financial Outlook Survey report.

METHODOLOGY

On November 6, 2025, CFP Board’s Research team sent a 10-question survey to randomly selected CFP^® professionals nationwide. The survey generated responses from 541 CFP^® professionals when it closed on November 20, 2025. The data collected from the survey, which serves as the basis of this report, is subject to a sampling error of +/- 4.2% at the 95% confidence interval.

ABOUT CFP BOARD

CFP Board is the professional body for personal financial planners in the U.S. CFP Board consists of two affiliated organizations focused on advancing the financial planning profession for the public’s benefit. CFP Board of Standards sets and upholds standards for financial planning and administers the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® certification — widely recognized by the public, advisors and firms as the standard for financial planners — so that the public has access to the benefits of competent and ethical financial planning. CFP^® certification is held by more than 106,000 people in the U.S. CFP Board Center for Financial Planning addresses diversity and workforce development challenges and conducts and publishes research that adds to the financial planning profession’s body of knowledge.

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“When uncertainty grows, the value of professional financial planning becomes even more clear,” said CFP Board CEO Kevin R. Keller, CAE.