AICPA News is a roundup of recent announcements from the American Institute of CPAs.
Fewer Americans Have Put Off Decisions for Financial Reasons
A Financial Literacy Month survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) shows financial pressures easing slightly, as the share of Americans delaying decisions for financial reasons in the past year dropped from 61 percent in 2025 to 55 percent in 2026.
In addition, the survey shows 36 percent of Americans feel better about their financial situation over the next 12 months compared to the previous 12 months, similar to last year’s survey results (36% in 2026 and 33% in 2025).
While 36 percent of Americans feel better about their financial situation over the next 12 months, the cost of goods/services could be a household budget standout. Fifty-nine percent of Americans who have delayed something for financial reasons over the past year say it was due to the cost of goods/services.
Financial Outlook for 2026
When asked how they felt about their financial situation over the next 12 months compared to the previous 12 months:
- 36% said they feel much/somewhat better versus 33% in 2025
- 37% said they feel neither better nor worse, the same as 2025
- 27% said they feel much/somewhat worse versus 30% in 2025
Delayed Purchases and Plans
- Forty-five percent of Americans said they haven’t delayed anything for financial reasons in the past year (significantly higher than in 2025 – 39%).
- Over half of Americans (55%) said they have delayed something in the past year for financial reasons (significantly lower than 2025 – 61%).
- Americans aged 18-34 (70%) are significantly more likely to have delayed something for financial reasons in the past year than those aged 45+ (45%).
Sixty-eight percent of those aged 65 and over haven’t delayed anything for financial reasons in the past year, significantly higher than those aged 55-64 (52%), 45-54 (40%), 35-44 (34%) and 18-34 (30%).
Fifty-nine percent of those who have delayed plans/purchases for financial reasons in the past year attribute the delay to higher costs for goods and services (+2 percentage points vs 2025).
AICPA Recognizes Five Individuals with 2026 Visionary Award
The AICPA recently recognized five professionals with a vision to transform the accounting and finance profession with the 2026 AICPA Visionary Award. This new award was curated to celebrate exceptional professionals whose entrepreneurial spirit and future-forward thinking are transforming organizations and strengthening the accounting and finance profession.
The AICPA Visionary Award honors professionals whose ideas, leadership, and actions are shaping the future of the profession through innovation, advocacy, business transformation, or community impact. By elevating these visionaries, the AICPA helps spotlight the forward‑thinking work driving progress across the profession.
Congratulations to the following Recipients of the 2026 Visionary Award:
Caitlin Smith, CPA | Partner – SKC & Co. CPAs, LLC
Boonton Township, NJ
Caitlin Smith is a Partner at SKC & Co. CPAs, where she works closely with small business owners to bring clarity, control, and confidence to their financial decision-making. She advises clients on tax planning, operational structure, and long-term growth, helping them stay focused, organized, and forward-moving in fast-paced environments.
Known for her hands-on approach and genuine care for her clients, Caitlin supports not only their businesses, but their broader personal and professional goals. She has developed a strong specialization in healthcare, dental, and veterinary practices, guiding physicians, dentists, and veterinarians in building sustainable, scalable businesses through practical insights and consistent communication.
Within SKC, Caitlin serves as Chair of the firm’s Future Council, driving innovation, process improvement, and leadership development. She is also an active member of the SKC Foundation, supporting the firm’s philanthropic efforts. Caitlin was recognized as a “Woman to Watch” by the NJCPA in 2022 and a recipient of the NJCPA Impact Award in 2026. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Math from Centenary University, where she graduated as valedictorian.
Eric Story, CPA, PFS, CITP | Partner & CIO – Cooper Norman, LLC | Partner & CCO – Cooper Norman Wealth, LLC
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Eric Story, CPA, CITP, PFS, is a Partner, Chief Information Officer at Cooper Norman PLLC Idaho’s largest Idaho-based CPA firm, and Chief Compliance Office for Cooper Norman Wealth, LLC the affiliated wealth management and advisory practice. He is also serving as Chair of the Idaho State Society of CPAs, where he advocates for innovation and the continued evolution of the profession.
Eric’s leadership focuses on transforming traditional accounting models into advisory-driven practices that deliver deeper strategic value to clients. He has led firm-wide initiatives integrating technology, automation, and artificial intelligence into compliance processes—enhancing efficiency while enabling professionals to focus on higher-value advisory services.
In addition to firm leadership, Eric has extensive experience guiding businesses and families through complex transactions, succession planning, and long-term wealth strategies. He played a key role in launching Cooper Norman’s CPA-led Wealth Management practice, reflecting his commitment to delivering integrated, forward-thinking solutions.
With a multidisciplinary background spanning technology, accounting, and financial planning, Eric is passionate about shaping the future of the profession—empowering teams, advising with purpose, and helping clients navigate uncertainty with confidence.
Victoria Thayer, CPA | CEO & Founder – Novii CPA
Madison, Wisconsin
Victoria Thayer, CPA, is the Founder and CEO of Novii CPA, a nationally recognized, tech-driven advisory firm serving growth-stage companies in biohealth, medtech, life sciences, manufacturing, and professional services. She has built Novii CPA into a modern, scalable firm known for its innovative approach to accounting, combining technology, strategic advisory, and a strong client-first mindset.
Victoria is recognized for redefining the role of accountants by shifting from traditional compliance work to embedded strategic partnership. Through outsourced CFO services, investor-ready financial reporting, and forward-looking forecasting, she helps businesses make informed decisions, secure funding, and scale sustainably. Her leadership has also focused on building systems that improve efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and support long-term team wellbeing.
Beyond her firm, Victoria is deeply committed to advancing the accounting profession. She mentors emerging professionals, speaks on firm modernization and leadership, and actively contributes to initiatives that promote innovation and growth within the industry. Her work continues to position her as a forward-thinking leader shaping the future of accounting.
Mallory D. Vincent, CPA, MBA | Senior Individual and Trust Tax Manager – Stinson Associates
Concord, New Hampshire
Mallory Vincent is a Senior Individual and Trust Tax Manager at Stinson Associates, a public accounting firm, where she heads the office in Concord, New Hampshire. In her role, Mallory works closely with individuals to help them navigate through all of life’s stages. Her goal is to make the process enjoyable for the client while being there every step of the way. She also collaborates with client trustees, personal representatives, and their attorneys to help manage trust/estate tax laws and trust agreements.
Mallory is a member of the New Hampshire Society of Certified Public Accountants (NHSCPA) and serves on the Financial Careers and Young Professional Committees. She was the recipient of the NHSCPA’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award. She is also a member of the AICPA, the upcoming Chair of the AICPA Student Recruitment Committee, and was a recipient of the 2025 AICPA Emerging Leaders Award. Mallory is passionate about the accounting workforce development issue and created the first staffed accounting apprenticeship program in New Hampshire.
Mallory earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in May 2015 and Master’s of Business Administration in February 2020 from Southern New Hampshire University. She obtained her NH CPA license in October 2021.
Kimberly Williams, CPA, FHFMA | CFO – Medical Management Services
Madison, Mississippi
Kimberly Williams, CPA, FHFMA, is the Chief Financial Officer of Medical Management Services, where she oversees financial operations for MEA Medical Clinics and affiliated healthcare organizations. She is known for translating complex financial data into actionable insights that strengthen decision-making, improve operational performance, and support access to care within the communities she serves.
Kimberly is passionate about developing leaders and advancing the accounting profession. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Mississippi Society of CPAs and will assume the role of Chair in July 2026. Her leadership within the organization includes service as Young CPA Network President, where she led initiatives that expanded engagement and community impact. She is also actively involved in the Healthcare Financial Management Association, where she has served in multiple leadership roles, including Chapter President.
Through her work in healthcare and leadership consulting, Kimberly is committed to equipping professionals to move beyond compliance-focused thinking toward strategic financial leadership. She lives in Mississippi with her husband and two children.
Americans Are Building Their Emergency Savings, But Gaps Remain Across Age and Gender
A Financial Literacy Month survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) shows that while a large number of Americans (78%) report that they do have money set aside in a savings/emergency fund to cover living expenses, savings by adults ages 45-54 and women is lagging.
More Short-Term Savings than Long-Term Reserves
CPAs who specialize in personal financial planning frequently advise clients to have at least six to eight months of living expenses set aside. This can serve as a financial cushion to help them handle smaller everyday disruptions like car repairs, medical bills and rising grocery costs to larger crises like job loss, a serious medical emergency or loss of a spouse or partner.
While 78% of Americans report having at least some money set aside to cover living expenses, the depth of those savings varies:
- 20% have less than three months’ worth of living expenses saved
- 24% have three to six months saved
- 10% have seven to nine months saved
- 6% have 10 to 11 months saved
- 18% have a year or more saved
Older Americans are more likely to have longer-term reserves:
- 36% of adults over 65 have at least one year of living expenses saved
- 25% of adults between 55-64 have at least one year of living expenses saved
- Only 10% of adults between 18-54 have at least one year of living expenses saved
Women and Midlife Adults More Likely to Have No Savings
The survey data also reveals that 22% of Americans have no money set aside at all in a savings or emergency fund to cover living expenses, leaving them exposed to everyday financial disruptions.
- 25% of women say they have nothing set aside in savings or an emergency fund, compared with 17% of men.
- Adults ages 45-54 (30%) are significantly more likely to have no savings or emergency fund, than those ages 35–44 (22%) or those ages 55+ (16%).
Cost of Living and Lack of Savings Strain Budgets
Rising costs for essentials may be straining household finances, leaving many Americans with less margin for unexpected expenses or major decisions.
- 33% of Americans say food and groceries are their largest non‑housing monthly expense.
- Over half of Americans who delayed a major decision or expense in the past year (59%) say it was because of the cost of goods/services.
- Nearly half of Americans who delayed a major decision or expense in the past year (45%) say they did so because they lacked savings.
- That financial strain due to lack of savings is even more pronounced among younger adults, with
52% of those ages 18–34 who delayed a major decision or expense in the past year citing a lack of savings as the reason for delays (compared to 34% of those ages 55+).
“Financial insecurity shapes daily life and consumers certainly don’t need a catastrophe to feel the consequences of not having savings,” says Sinnett. “Even modest savings can help avoid tradeoffs that affect health, career and family.”
Survey Method:
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of AICPA from March 10 – 12, 2026 among 2,091 adults ages 18 and older.
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