![\"Business](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/woman-tablet-graphs-investing-concept_iStock-1770650467.jpg\")
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\n Jacob Wackerhausen \/ iStock.com <\/p>\n
Commitment to Our Readers<\/p>\n
GOBankingRates’ editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines<\/a> and our products and services review methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n 20 Years Trusted by The new year is always a good time to review your investment plan and determine where you should make adjustments.<\/p>\n Among the things that could have a huge impact on stocks<\/a> and other investments in 2026 are tariffs, interest rates and the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. Each had a major impact in 2025 \u2014 for both good and ill.<\/p>\n What should your investment plan look like in 2026? GOBankingRates asked ChatGPT, and here\u2019s what it had to say<\/a>.<\/p>\n What To Do First<\/p>\n Because investment plans<\/a> vary widely depending on factors like your age, income, family situation and finances, GOBankingRates asked ChatGPT to create an investment plan for the average American.<\/p>\n In terms of income, we used Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing that full-time workers had median earnings of $1,196 a week, or $62,192 a year, during the 2025 second quarter.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n In creating its plan, ChatGPT first offered advice on financial matters that don\u2019t necessarily involve investing. Among its recommendations are to build an emergency fund and pay down debt before allocating a lot of money toward investments. <\/p>\n It also provided \u201cguiding principles\u201d for investing, such as setting goals, establishing a time horizon and developing the right strategy based on your financial situation.<\/p>\n Recommended Investment Allocation<\/p>\n Here is ChatGPT\u2019s recommended core portfolio allocation<\/a> for 2026. It is designed for an average working adult between the ages of 25 and 55, with a \u201cmoderate\u201d risk tolerance and an income of about $62,000 a year.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Asset Class Here\u2019s ChatGPT\u2019s recommendation for a monthly investment plan, assuming you can contribute $900 a month, or roughly 17% of your income.<\/p>\n Investment In terms of which economic\/investment trends to keep eye on in 2026, ChatGPT provided this outlook:<\/p>\n Interest rates: May start to decline in mid-2026, benefiting stocks and bonds Not everyone agrees that AI will remain a key growth sector in 2026. In fact, there are growing fears that the AI bubble<\/a> could burst as companies continue to pour trillions of dollars into the technology based on future potential rather than current profits.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.gobankingrates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/icon-20.svg?webp=1&quality=75\"){kind=icon}
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Millions of Readers<\/p>\n
\nAllocation
\nExample Fund\/ETF
\nPurpose
\nU.S. Stocks
\n45%
\nVanguard Total Stock Market (VTI)
\nCore long-term growth
\nInternational Stocks
\n15%
\nVanguard Total International (VXUS)
\nDiversify globally
\nU.S. Bonds
\n25%
\nVanguard Total Bond Market (BND)
\nStability and income
\nREITs\/Real Estate
\n10%
\nVanguard Real Estate (VNQ)
\nInflation hedge
\nCash\/Treasury bills
\n5%
\nTreasury bills or money market fund
\nLiquidity and safety
\nMonthly Investment Plan<\/p>\n
\nPercentage
\nMonthly dollar amount
\n401(k) \u2013 S&P 500 Index
\n40%
\n$360
\nRoth IRA \u2013 Target-Date 2060 Fund
\n35%
\n$315
\nBrokerage \u2013 International ETF (VXUS)
\n10%
\n$90
\nBrokerage \u2013 REIT (VNQ)
\n10%
\n$90
\nHigh-Yield Savings\/T-Bills
\n5%
\n$45
\n2026 Outlook Considerations<\/p>\n
\nInflation: \u201cLikely stabilizes\u201d between 2.5% and 3%
\nReal estate: Could \u201crebound slowly\u201d as mortgage rates ease
\nAI, clean energy and infrastructure: Remain \u201ckey growth sectors.\u201d<\/p>\n