How Americans are prioritizing money goals in 2026: survey

Key inflation measure drops to 5-year low

Associated Press reporter Chris Rugaber joins LiveNOW's Austin Westfall to discuss the current state of inflation in the U.S.

A new Bankrate survey found personal financial progress remains uneven, and in some cases, stagnant, for many Americans. 

According to the survey, 44% of Americans say they now have more money in emergency savings than they owe in credit card debt. While that marks a meaningful share of households in relatively stable territory, it also means the majority — 56% — do not.

Even more telling: 58% of Americans say their emergency savings have not increased in the past year.

Money goals 2026

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Big picture view:

Overall, Americans are most commonly focused on both paying down debt and increasing emergency savings in 2026 (31%). 

Additionally, 29% said they were focused on increasing emergency savings, with 21% said they’re focused on paying down debt. Neither was a priority for 14% of people, and 5% said they didn’t know. 

Woman holding a credit cards and using smartphone. Getty Images

Dig deeper:

Baby boomers are the most likely generation to report having more emergency savings than credit card debt — a reflection of higher accumulated wealth and fewer borrowing needs later in life.

Meanwhile, Gen Z adults show a different pattern: 27% report having neither emergency savings nor credit card debt. On the surface, that may appear neutral — but it also suggests many young adults lack a financial cushion altogether.

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The other side:

Financial experts often advise focusing on one primary financial goal at a time – including Bankrate financial analyst, Stephen Kates. 

What they're saying:

"Most American households want to grow their savings, but few are making meaningful progress right now. Rather than trying to tackle everything at once, I recommend focusing on the single most important financial priority in 2026 and making consistent progress there first," he said. 

Emergency savings not increasing

Big picture view:

Increasing emergency savings is being prioritized in 2026 by 29% of Americans, according to Bankrate’s survey. 

Dig deeper:

But a majority say their emergency savings aren’t increasing. 

By the numbers:

Over half (58%) of Americans say their emergency savings have not increased from one year ago. This includes 29% who say their emergency savings are about the same and 29% who say their emergency savings have decreased compared to one year ago. 

About 1 in 5 (21%) say they have more emergency savings now than they did one year ago and 17% say they have no emergency savings now and did not have any then. 

Bottom line:

With credit card interest rates still elevated and everyday costs like housing, groceries and insurance continuing to pressure household finances, many Americans appear caught in a balancing act.