A new national survey commissioned by Cashback Loans reveals that 44% of U.S. adults have no emergency savings, leaving them vulnerable to unexpected expenses such as medical bills, car repairs, or delayed paychecks. The report, titled America's Emergency Savings Report 2026, was conducted by 3 Gem Research & Insights and surveyed 3,000 U.S. adults between July 6 and August 10, 2026. The findings underscore a widespread lack of financial cushion among American households, even as many struggle with rising living costs.
Among the minority who do have emergency savings, the cushion is often thin: 17% reported having less than $1,000 set aside. This suggests that even those who have managed to save are only one minor crisis away from financial distress. The survey also found that 37% of respondents borrowed money to cover essential living expenses in the previous 12 months. When they needed to borrow, they turned to a variety of sources: 42% borrowed from relatives, 35% used credit cards, 34% borrowed from friends, and 23% used payday loans or cash advance services. Respondents could report more than one source, indicating that many rely on multiple avenues to make ends meet.
The report highlights how inflation is squeezing household budgets. 42% of respondents said they reduced grocery spending because of rising prices, and 69% said achieving financial security is harder today than it was five years ago. Perhaps most striking, 22% do not expect to feel financially secure at all. When asked what annual household income would make them feel secure, the average response was $300,009. However, answers varied 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, indicating a broad range of perceptions about what constitutes financial security.
Eric Otten, Personal Finance Expert at Cashback Loans, said, "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." The report is intended to serve as an annual benchmark for tracking changes in emergency savings, borrowing, and financial confidence over time.
For consumers looking to improve their financial resilience, the report offers practical takeaways: 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. Cashback Loans, a California direct lender founded in 2003, provides short-term financial solutions and has funded more than 4 million loans in the state. To learn more about the company and its services, visit Learn more at Cashback Loans.
The survey's methodology involved a national sample of 3,000 U.S. adults, with borrowing-source percentages referring only to those who reported borrowing for essential living expenses. The $300,009 figure is a calculated mean of the income ranges respondents selected, not a median. As the cost of living continues to rise, the findings paint a concerning picture of financial fragility across the country, with many Americans lacking even a small buffer against life's uncertainties.
