Feelings of Financial Instability Persist Across Generations

For an increasing number of U.S. consumers, financial success is defined less by wealth accumulation and more by the ability to stay solvent. New research from MX Technologies Inc. shows nearly one in five surveyed consumers said their primary financial goal for 2026 was to cover monthly bills.

In its “Hierarchy of Financial Health” report, the firm found that 62% of surveyed consumers were living paycheck to paycheck, while 31% worried about their ability to cover an unexpected expense.

“Most people aren’t asking how to get rich—they’re asking how to stay steady,” said Jane Barratt, chief advocacy officer at MX, in a statement. “Our research shows that for most households, financial health starts with stability.”

While this emphasis on stability spanned age groups, it had particular implications for younger workers. Gen Z and Millennials respondents reported high levels of stress, paycheck–to–paycheck living and what researchers call “survival spending” focused on immediate needs, which were potentially affecting long–term savings and retirement readiness.

Despite these challenges, optimism remained relatively high among respondents. Nearly three–quarters of consumers said they felt optimistic about their financial goals, including 80% of Gen Z and 76% of Millennials. Still, more than half reported that money was their primary source of stress and 40% said they struggled to make ends meet.

Separate research released this month by Beyond Finance, in partnership with Operation Hope Inc., highlighted how younger adults increasingly feel long-term goals are out of reach. In the published survey of Gen Z and Millennial adults, seven in 10 respondents said wealth felt unattainable as rising costs pushed many into survival mode.

The study found that 71% relied on side hustles or additional income to keep up financially, nearly 80% report using survival–spending tactics and 32% have turned to “buy now, pay later” services for essential expenses such as groceries and utilities. Nearly one–third described themselves as “barely surviving,” while more than 40% said they faced ongoing challenges saving, paying down debt or maintaining financial confidence.

“Financial conditions have changed faster than the rules,” said Erika Rasure, chief financial wellness adviser at Beyond Finance, in a statement. “Helping people rebuild confidence requires meeting them where they are and supporting consistent, sustainable progress.”

MX surveyed 1,001 U.S. adults online in January 2026. Beyond Finance and Operation Hope’s survey was conducted by QuestionPro, a third-party research company, from March 16 to 18, 2026, reaching 2,000 Millennial and Gen Z U.S. adults.