Almost half (44%) of Americans report they think about their financial preparedness every single day.
Everyday Concerns About Financial Preparedness
A new survey reveals that financial concerns are a daily reality for many Americans, with almost half (44%) thinking about their financial preparedness every single day. More than one-third (36%) admit they are not confident they have enough savings to cover unexpected bills. These findings highlight the widespread anxiety consumers face as they attempt to stay ahead of unforeseen expenses.
Unexpected Expenses Push Many Into Debt
Unexpected bills have affected a significant portion of Americans, with a majority (72%) reporting they have been impacted at some point. Of these, nearly six in ten (59%) shared that they went into debt as a direct result. Medical emergencies top the list of concerns, with seven in ten (70%) Americans ranking illness or emergency room visits among their top three priorities for financial readiness.
Retirement Saving Remains a Key, Yet Challenging, Goal
Saving for retirement is seen as essential by an overwhelming majority (88%) of consumers. However, nearly half (47%) feel unprepared, often due to not setting aside a portion of their monthly income (31%) or not utilizing retirement savings accounts like 401(k)s or Roth IRAs (56%). Additionally, 15% report having no retirement savings at all, underscoring the challenges many Americans face despite their efforts to plan ahead.
Read more
Research publisher
TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S. by assets, providing over 10 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,100 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida.
Methodology
This CARAVAN survey was conducted by Big Village on behalf of TD Bank among a sample of 5,013 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. This survey was live on February 19 – March 3, 2025. Market-specific interviews were conducted in Boston (N=502), New York City (N=501), Philadelphia (N=502), Charlotte (N=502), and Miami/South Florida (N=502), with the remaining N=2,504 interviews completed among adults across the rest of the United States.
