Lower taxes, reduced fees, and increased benefits mean that many households will have more left over each month next year. But one group stands out as clear winners – while another falls behind.

As 2026 arrives, several political decisions will impact household finances. The combination of tax cuts, targeted benefits, and fee reductions will give many a welcome boost. According to assessments from Länsförsäkringar, however, it is families with children that benefit the most overall.

“Those who will see the most in their wallets are families with children,” says Stefan Westerberg, private economist at Länsförsäkringar, in a comment to UNT.

Many reforms affect the same households

The reason is that several major reforms are specifically targeted at families with children – and they reinforce each other. Lower income tax is combined with cheaper electricity, a reduced VAT on food, and lower fees for preschool and after-school care.

READ ALSO: Forecast: Brighter finances for families with children in 2026

Additionally, reductions in the maximum fee cap will “hit right at the heart of families’ wallets,” according to Westerberg. Housing benefits are also increased for families with children, giving an extra lift – especially for households with several children.

Real wage increases have a broader impact

Beyond political decisions, Länsförsäkringar points out that wage earners as a group can look forward to clear real wage increases during the year. This means that wages are expected to rise more than prices, strengthening purchasing power.

Pensioners will also see a certain economic boost, even though they are not included in the wage increases.

“Income pensions will be adjusted up 1.9 percent, which is higher than we expect inflation to be,” predicts Westerberg.

The unemployed fall behind – some face worsening finances

However, not all groups will see the same positive outcomes. Those without a job are pointed out as the clearest losers in 2026. Admittedly, they are also affected by lower food and electricity prices, but their incomes do not increase.

This is because their income is connected to compensation from the unemployment insurance fund, which is only affected by changes in unemployment insurance rules. At the same time, Westerberg highlights that rule changes especially impact unemployed people with lower incomes. Not only do they fall behind with smaller improvements, but they can actually experience a deterioration in finances compared to today.

Taken together, the changes mean a clear lift for many households – but also that the gaps between different groups risk increasing as the winners and losers of the 2026 economy become clear.

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