A new national survey commissioned by Cashback Loans, America’s Emergency Savings Report 2026, reveals that 44% of U.S. adults report having no emergency savings at all. Among those who do save, 17% have less than $1,000 set aside, leaving them highly vulnerable to unexpected expenses such as medical bills, car repairs, or delayed paychecks. The survey of 3,000 U.S. adults was conducted by 3 Gem Research & Insights between July 6 and August 10, 2026, and released on September 29.
The findings underscore the financial fragility facing many American households. Thirty-seven percent of respondents said they borrowed money to cover essential living expenses in the previous 12 months. When asked where they turned for funds, no single source was used by a majority: relatives were the most common at 42%, followed by credit cards at 35%, friends at 34%, and payday loans or cash advance services at 23%. Respondents could report more than one source.
Rising costs are compounding the strain. Forty-two percent of respondents said they reduced grocery spending because of inflation, and 69% said achieving financial security is harder today than it was five years ago. Twenty-two percent do not expect to ever feel financially secure.
Perceptions of what constitutes financial security also vary widely. When asked to select the annual household income range that would allow them to feel financially secure, the calculated average of responses was $300,009. Answers ranged from $20,000-$50,000 to $900,001-$1,000,000. Thirty-five percent chose an income below $100,000, and 51% chose $200,000 or less. The $300,009 figure is a mean of selected ranges, not a median.
“These findings show that many households are working hard to stay on track while having very little cushion for the unexpected,” said Eric Otten, Personal Finance Expert at Cashback Loans. “We hope this research gives consumers, journalists and policymakers a clearer picture of the pressure families are facing.”
The report is descriptive rather than prescriptive, but it highlights general practices consistent with its findings: build savings gradually, know your essential monthly expenses, plan ahead for emergencies, compare borrowing options on total cost and repayment terms, and revisit your budget when costs change. Cashback Loans, a California direct lender founded in 2003, provides short-term financial solutions and has funded more than 4 million loans in the state. The company supports consumer research to better understand the financial challenges of the communities it serves. Learn more at Cashback Loans.
The survey results are intended to serve as an annual benchmark for tracking changes in emergency savings, borrowing, and financial confidence over time. With nearly half of adults lacking any emergency savings and many relying on high-cost borrowing, the report points to ongoing challenges for household financial stability and the broader economy.
