New year, same debt. How to face your debt in 2026 with three simple questions.

At this point, you might be wondering if "New Year, New You" is actually just "New Year, Same You."

​The hype has officially worn off. By the time the end of January rolls around, you’re likely questioning whether you’ve overcommitted to those big resolutions. The glow of the holidays is gone, the weather is bleak, and for many of us, the credit card statement has finally landed.

​UK personal debt peaked at £1.9 trillion in early 2025. I don’t know how many zeros that is, but I know you aren't alone. I also know the answer is not likely going to be found in yet another complicated spreadsheet.

​If you’re looking at your bank account and blaming "past you" for December’s decisions, I want you to stop. Seriously. At this point, focusing on the "why" is like driving a car while looking only in the rearview mirror. You won’t see where you are going and you’ll likely end up crashing.

​So, let's put our hands at 10 and 2, and look forward.

​We’re going to start the year by looking at the road ahead. We’ll skip the deep dive into the "why" and focus instead on what life looks like when the problem is solved, identifying the things you're already doing that actually work.

​You deserve better than ending January with another guilt-trip. Let’s use a few practical steps to shift your mindset and build on your strengths.

​Three Practical Steps to Confront Debt in 2026

​The goal here isn't to clear everything overnight. It's to find one small, solid step that proves to your brain that change is possible. Then another. And another, until you're driving on smoother roads.

​1. The "Miracle" of a Debt-Free Day

There is a tool I use with clients that helps paint a clear picture of the future you actually want. It’s a vital first step toward getting there.

• ​The Question: Imagine you wake up tomorrow and, magically, your debt problem has been completely solved. What is the very first small thing that you, or someone close to you, would notice that is different?

• ​The Focus: The answer shouldn't be "I have £0 debt." That's the end goal, not the first change. Is it a feeling of calm? Is it not automatically opening your banking app the second you wake up? Is it a change in how you talk to a friend about money? Pick one small thing and try to copy it today. The idea is to start acting like the person you want to be.

  
  

​2. Looking for the "Exceptions"

The problem of debt is never perfect. There are always times when the stress was less intense, or when you felt more in control. You might have to look hard, but those moments are always there.

• ​The Question: Can you think of a time in the last month when you felt slightly less worried or more in control of your finances? What was happening then, and what did you do differently on that day?

• ​The Focus: Maybe you didn't check your balance for a full day. Maybe you ate leftovers instead of buying lunch. Maybe you had a tough conversation about money that actually went okay. Whatever it was, that action is a solution you already possess. Our job for the rest of 2026 is to figure out how to do that more often.

  
  

​3. Using the "Scaling" Question

When you feel stuck at zero, it’s hard to see progress. Scaling helps you notice small wins.

• ​The Question: On a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is the debt feeling entirely overwhelming and 10 is the debt being completely under control, where would you rate yourself right now? And what is the smallest possible thing you could do to move that score up by just one point?

• ​The Focus: If you're a 2, getting to a 3 is a win. Don't aim for a 10 yet. Moving up one point might be as simple as cancelling one forgotten subscription, setting a reminder to check your bank once a week instead of ten times a day, or even just writing down these three questions. Acknowledging that effort proves you have the resources to keep moving.

  
  

​Debt feels heavy because it lives in the past and the future. This approach brings the challenge back to the present, focusing on the small, manageable changes you can start today.

​Ready to Change the Narrative?

​If the anxiety around money feels bigger than these three steps, that is completely normal. These questions are designed to get the needle moving, and for some people that's enough.

​Financial therapy is about exploring the emotional reasons behind our money habits and finding a way to build on your strengths so you can move forward.

​Want more practical insights delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for my mailing list [[Link to Mailing List Sign-Up Page]].

​Or, if you're ready to explore this in a dedicated session, you can book a free consultation on my website to talk about Financial Therapy: [https://www.michaelboycetherapy.co.uk/financial-therapy]