Half of Americans Report Feeling Financially Secure Despite Economic Challenges
According to the Northwestern Mutual's 2026 Planning & Progress Study, half of U.S. adults now describe themselves as financially secure, up from 44% in 2025. This increase spans all generations, indicating a gradual improvement in financial confidence despite ongoing concerns about inflation and economic uncertainty. The study also found that 53% of Americans consider themselves financially disciplined, an increase from last year's 49%. While many remain worried—particularly about inflation, housing costs, and the economy—the findings suggest progress is being made. Northwestern Mutual Chief Field Officer John Roberts noted that financial security results from consistent decisions over time. Optimism also grew regarding homeownership across most generations, with Gen Z showing significant gains in optimism for buying a home. However, many parents plan to help their children financially due to the difficulty of saving for down payments.
Topics: consumer behavior economic confidence financial security