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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.
The Source: Information in this article comes from data comes from Bankrate’s Emergency Savings Report, an exclusive survey-based report conducted by Bankrate and polling partners SSRS and YouGov Plc. This story was reported from Detroit.