Cost of living is the top obstacle to financial security, survey finds

Share Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google ( InvestigateTV ) — More than half of the adults surveyed by ConsumerAffairs define financial security as simply not living paycheck to paycheck. The survey of 1,000 adults ages 18 to 64 found the goal is more basic than many might expect, according to Dayna Edens, public relations manager at ConsumerAffairs. “Truly just making ends meet is now the new bar, the new goal set for being financially secure,” Edens said. Four in 10 respondents say they have less than $1,000 saved, not counting retirement accounts or home equity. “We’re truly just talking about money you would have to spend if you would need to take an ER visit or your transmission or your car goes out. Even scarier, 19% have nothing set aside at all,” Edens said. Only 20% of respondents know the exact dollar amount it would take to feel financially secure. Edens described what respondents said would make the biggest difference. “And when we ask them, what’s the biggest change that would be able to make that difference there? The top answer is not paying off debt. It’s not buying a home or setting aside money for the future. It’s truly just covering enough expenses and then still having something left over,” Edens said. The cost of living was the biggest obstacle to financial security, cited by 46% of respondents. Financial experts featured in the report recommend building an emergency fund and paying down high-interest debt when possible. Edens said it is important to be realistic about your own financial situation. “You may not necessarily be the issue right now. You know, cost of livings are high. Do what you can right now to stay afloat,” Edens said. Copyright 2026 Gray Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.