Nearly half of U.S. adults report having no emergency savings, according to America's Emergency Savings Report 2026, a national survey of 3,000 U.S. adults conducted by 3 Gem Research & Insights and commissioned by Cashback Loans. The report, released on September 29, 2026, examines how prepared Americans are for unexpected expenses such as medical bills, car repairs, delayed paychecks, and broken appliances, and explores household responses to rising living costs.
The findings paint a stark picture of financial fragility. Among respondents who do have emergency savings, 17% reported having less than $1,000 set aside. Overall, 44% of adults have no emergency savings at all. The survey also found that 37% borrowed money to cover essential living expenses during the previous 12 months. When asked about financial security, 69% said achieving it is harder today than it was five years ago, and 42% have reduced grocery spending because of inflation. More than one in five (22%) do not expect to feel financially secure.
Among those who borrowed for essential expenses, no single source was used by a majority. 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 annual household income would make them feel financially secure. The calculated average of responses was $300,009, though answers ranged widely 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. We hope this research gives consumers, journalists and policymakers a clearer picture of the pressure families are facing," said Eric Otten, Personal Finance Expert at Cashback Loans.
The report offers practical takeaways for consumers, such as building savings gradually, knowing essential monthly expenses, planning ahead for emergencies, comparing borrowing options on total cost and repayment terms, and revisiting budgets when costs change. It is intended to serve as an annual benchmark for tracking changes in emergency savings, borrowing, and financial confidence over time. Cashback Loans, a California direct lender founded in 2003, provides short-term financial solutions and supports consumer research to better understand the financial challenges of the communities it serves. Those interested can Learn more at Cashback Loans.
The implications of this survey are significant. With nearly half of adults lacking any emergency savings, unexpected expenses can quickly escalate into debt cycles, as evidenced by the 37% who borrowed for essentials. The reliance on relatives, credit cards, and payday loans suggests that traditional safety nets are strained. For policymakers, the data highlights the need for initiatives that promote savings and affordable credit. For businesses, it signals a consumer base under financial stress, which could affect spending patterns. The findings underscore the importance of financial literacy and emergency planning, as many Americans feel less secure than they did five years ago.
