Key Findings From the Study

NerdWallet’s index measures financial resilience using five indicators across financial security, financial strength, and economic outlook.

The June survey found:

• 76% of Americans feel in control of their day-to-day finances.
• 78% are confident they can pay all of their bills on time this month.
• 35% expect to rely on credit for at least some expenses this month.
• 63% have enough cash available to cover an unexpected $1,000 expense.
• 62% believe the U.S. economy will enter a recession within the next 12 months.

While recession expectations remain high, that figure declined slightly from 66% in May to 62% in June, suggesting some improvement in economic sentiment.^[1]

Older Americans Show Greater Financial Resilience

One of the clearest patterns in the report is the gap between generations.

Baby boomers posted the strongest financial resilience score at 73.9, while younger generations scored significantly lower:

• Gen Z: 53.8
• Millennials: 57.4
• Gen X: 58.3
• Baby Boomers: 73.9

According to NerdWallet, older Americans likely benefit from larger savings balances, lower debt burdens, and more established financial foundations.

The difference is especially noticeable when it comes to paying bills. Nearly 93% of baby boomers said they are confident they can pay all bills on time this month, compared with:

• 73% of Gen X
• 74% of Millennials
• 69% of Gen Z

These numbers suggest that younger Americans continue to face greater financial pressure from housing costs, debt, and rising living expenses.

Income Still Matters

The study also found a strong relationship between income and financial resilience.

Among households earning less than $50,000 annually:

• Only 61% feel in control of their finances.
• Just 37% could cover a surprise $1,000 expense with cash.

By comparison, among households earning $100,000 or more:

• 86% feel in control of their finances.
• 78% could handle a $1,000 emergency expense.

The ability to absorb unexpected expenses remains one of the biggest indicators of financial resilience. Without emergency savings, households often turn to credit cards, loans, or buy-now-pay-later services when unexpected costs arise.

Credit Dependence Remains Widespread

Even as many Americans report feeling financially stable, reliance on credit remains significant.

NerdWallet found that 35% of Americans expect to use credit to manage at least some expenses this month.^[1]

Interestingly, this isn’t only a lower-income issue.

The survey found similar rates of credit dependence among households earning under $100,000 annually. Only households earning more than $100,000 showed noticeably lower reliance on credit.

Parents face even greater pressure. Nearly 45% of parents with children under 18 reported needing credit to cover some expenses, compared with 31% of adults without children at home.

Americans Are Managing Today but Worried About Tomorrow

Perhaps the most important takeaway from the report is the contrast between personal finances and economic expectations.

Most Americans say they feel in control of their finances and can pay their bills. Yet nearly two-thirds still expect a recession within the next year.

This disconnect suggests that many households have adapted to current economic conditions but remain uncertain about what comes next.

Concerns about inflation, geopolitical tensions, job security, and economic growth continue to influence consumer sentiment even when household finances appear stable.

What This Means for Consumers

The NerdWallet findings reinforce several practical financial lessons:

While Americans remain cautious about the economy, the June data suggests many households are still managing their day-to-day finances successfully.

Whether that resilience continues will depend largely on inflation trends, employment conditions, and the broader economic environment during the second half of 2026.