Getting by or getting ahead? U.S. debt, investment, and savings report 2026​

While some Americans are doing well financially, a majority say they are either “just about keeping up” (33%) or “falling behind” (22%).

After four years of high inflation, consumers are cutting back, dipping into savings, and adjusting how they spend. Financial pressure is not always severe, but it is persistent.

In YouGov’s debt, savings and investment report 2026, we explore how Americans are navigating this pressure, and what it means for financial behavior today.

Based on fresh survey data, the report also highlights the uncertainty many feel about how to improve their financial position; only 40% of Americans say they are willing to invest more than 10% of their savings in the next 12 months.

From cautious savers to reluctant investors and everyday reliance on debt, the findings show where behavior is shifting and where it is not.

Download the full report to learn:

• How many Americans feel they are getting ahead, just about keeping up, or falling behind?
• What types of debt are most common among U.S. consumers, and how does it differ across financial situations?
• How do aspiring homeowners feel about their chances of buying a home?
• What stops consumers from putting money into investments?
• How does financial confidence shape behavior across different groups?