77% of Americans do not feel financially secure

A growing number of American adults say they don’t feel financially secure — and for many, easing that fear would require a major boost in income, according to a recent survey by Bankrate.

Roughly 77% of U.S. adults say they don’t feel “completely financially secure,” a slight increase from 75% in 2024 and 72% in 2023. Women and Generation X — those between ages 45 and 60 — were the most likely to report feeling financially stretched.

By contrast, baby boomers were the most likely age group to say they felt “completely financially secure,” with 31% expressing confidence in their finances.

“Most of us recognize financial comfort when we have it. It’s that sweet spot where we can pay the bills, save for retirement or emergencies, tackle debt — or avoid it altogether — and still have room for occasional treats,” said Sarah Foster, U.S. Economy Reporter at Bankrate. “But times have changed.”

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So, what would ease financial anxiety? For many, the answer is higher pay.

More than one in four Americans — 26% — said it would take an annual salary of $150,000 or more to feel secure, nearly double the average full-time U.S. worker’s income.

In 2023, the median yearly earnings for a full-time, year-round worker were $81,515, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nearly half (45%) of respondents said they’d need to earn at least six figures to feel financially comfortable. Sixteen percent said $200,000 or more would be required, while 8% said only an income of $500,000 or higher would provide true financial security.