2026 begins with financial hangover and most Puerto Ricans have $0 saved
After a December of overspending, overeating and overdoing it all, many Puerto Ricans woke up in January with one common symptom: a financial hangover. And just like any hangover, denial only makes it worse.
Following a season of high spending, rising consumer debt and drying up emergency funds, we are entering 2026 in a financially fragile state. While this pattern repeats every January, this year the pressure feels more urgent.
The data confirms it:
- Total consumer debt in the U.S. reached a record $18.59 trillion in the third quarter of 2025, according to the New York Federal Reserve.
- Credit card balances alone hit $1.23 trillion, the highest in history.
In Puerto Rico, the signs are equally alarming. Most of the women in our community — including professionals and entrepreneurs — are finishing the month with $0 in their accounts. That’s not just a personal concern. It’s an economic red flag for the entire island.
After 20 years working with thousands of Latinas and Latinos across the globe, I’ve seen a common thread: the desire to earn more, build wealth and finally stop being afraid of money.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
Finances don’t fix themselves. We do.
That’s why we created a January reset called Money Rehab. It’s not a product. It’s a plan: a call to action for people and businesses ready to move from surviving to building.
Here are three specific actions you can take today:
1. Freeze the swipe
In January, many people experience a cash flow gap between their expenses and available income… and turn to credit cards to cover it. But relying on credit during this vulnerable period can trap you in a cycle of debt that lasts all year.
We’ve confused credit with income. It’s not.
Start by taking a full inventory of your balances. Pick the card with the smallest amount owed and pay it off first. That quick win builds confidence.
And here’s a trick: most credit card dashboards allow you to temporarily freeze your card. Use that tool. Avoid temptation while you regain control.
2. Build the safety net before you fall
I’m not asking you to save thousands overnight. I’m asking you to start.
Can you set aside $10 or $20 this week into a separate account? Automate it. Then cut one nonessential expense and redirect that money to your emergency fund.
Emergency savings isn’t about how much you earn… it’s about how committed you are to protecting your peace.
3. Fix your score before it shuts the door
Don’t wait for a denial letter to know where you stand. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com, download your free report and review it for errors, missed payments or high usage.
Your credit score is your financial reputation — without makeup. It can be the difference between an opportunity and a closed door, whether it’s a home loan, a car lease or a business expansion.
A wake-up call, not a gimmick
Money Rehab 2026 is not a quick fix. It’s a wake-up call — a reminder that this year, we can do things differently. Download it free: QuieroMoni.com
2026 won’t solve itself. But you can face it with clarity, intention and action.
That’s where real change begins.
Frances Ríos is the founder and CEO of QuieroMoni.
