Nearly half of U.S. adults report having no emergency savings, according to America's Emergency Savings Report 2026. The national survey of 3,000 U.S. adults was conducted by 3 Gem Research & Insights and commissioned by Cashback Loans. The report examines how prepared Americans are for unexpected expenses such as medical bills, car repairs, delayed paychecks, and broken appliances. It also explores how households are responding to rising living costs.
Key findings show that 44% of respondents have no emergency savings. Among those who do save, 17% have less than $1,000 set aside. This lack of savings forces many to borrow: 37% borrowed money to cover essential living expenses during the previous 12 months. The survey also found that 69% say achieving financial security is harder today than it was five years ago, and 42% reduced grocery spending because of inflation. Additionally, 22% do not expect to feel financially secure.
When Americans need money, they turn to various sources. Among respondents who borrowed for essential expenses, relatives were the most common source 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.
The report also asked what income feels "financially secure." The calculated average of responses was $300,009. Answers varied widely, ranging 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.
"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. It highlights general practices consistent with its findings: build savings gradually, starting with a realistic amount; know your essential monthly expenses; plan ahead for emergencies; compare borrowing options on total cost, fees, repayment timing, and the consequences of missed payments; and revisit your budget when costs change. The report is intended to serve as an annual benchmark for tracking changes in emergency savings, borrowing, and financial confidence over time.
Cashback Loans commissioned 3 Gem Research & Insights to survey 3,000 U.S. adults between July 6, 2026 and August 10, 2026. Borrowing-source percentages refer only to respondents who reported borrowing for essential living expenses. The $300,009 figure is a calculated mean of the income ranges respondents selected, not a median. For more information, visit Learn more at Cashback Loans.
