2026 Northwestern Mutual Planning & Progress Study: Financial Trends & Insights
Discover vital insights from the 2026 Northwestern Mutual Planning & Progress Study. Get a clear path forward and see how people like you are thinking about money.
Your financial journey is unique, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. When you’re feeling uncertain about what comes next, it often helps to hear how others are tackling similar challenges. Every year, we listen to people just like you to understand what is top of mind—from evolving behaviors and attitudes toward critical financial topics to wealth building and retirement. Our Planning and Progress Study brings these real perspectives together, offering you a clear view of how America is thinking about finances. More importantly, it provides you with meaningful, practical insights that can help inform decisions with confidence, no matter the economic environment.
What's in this guide
Section 01 The Financial States of America
Key Takeaways
Fifty-seven percent of Americans are citing inflation as their number one obstacle to financial security.
A sizeable number of Americans are investing in or considering investing in high-risk assets like prediction markets, sports betting, and crypto—and 73 percent of those drawn to these assets say they feel financially behind and see them as a way to catch up more quickly.
Additionally, more than half (52 percent) of Americans report a common financial blind spot: focusing too heavily on growing wealth without dedicating enough attention to protecting it against risks.
Seventy-one percent of Americans who work with an advisor report feeling financially secure.
As you look at your financial picture this year, you are not alone in feeling both progress and pressure. While more Americans are starting to feel financially secure, inflation continues to be a top concern, making it harder for many to feel fully on track day to day.
We asked, “What are your top three concerns as it relates to the potential impact they could have on your finances this year?”
That pressure to keep up is showing up in different ways. Some are drawn to higher-risk investments in hope of catching up more quickly, while others recognize they may be focusing too much on growing their money without doing enough to protect it. Together, these trends highlight a common challenge: balancing the desire to move faster with the need to build a strong, stable foundation.
We asked, “Are you currently investing—or considering investing over the next 12 months—in any of the following high-risk/speculative assets?”
While financial challenges can feel complex, there are steps individuals can take to better understand their options and plan for the future. Financial confidence isn’t about quick wins; it's about consistency, balance, and protecting what you have built over time. And for many people, working with a financial advisor can make a meaningful difference, helping turn uncertainty into a clearer, more confident plan for the future.
We asked, “Who do you trust most for financial advice?”
Section 02 Work & Retirement
Key Takeaways
The “magic number” Americans believe they need to retire comfortably has climbed to $1.46 million, up $200,000 from last year—and climbing more than 50 percent since 2020.
Forty-one percent of Americans plan to work or are currently working during retirement, while nearly half of Americans worry about outliving their savings.
One-third (33 percent) of Americans feel pessimistic about how artificial intelligence might impact their careers.
Seventy-four percent of those with an advisor feel confident they will be financially prepared for retirement, compared to just 43 percent without one.
As you think about your future, it’s completely natural to feel both hopeful and uncertain, especially as the definition of retirement continues to evolve. According to the 2026 Planning & Progress Study, the “magic number” Americans believe they need to retire comfortably has climbed to $1.46 million. This increase may reflect real pressures many are experiencing, from rising costs to longer life expectancies and changing career paths, making the path to financial security feel more complex than ever.
We asked, “Do you think you will be financially prepared when the time comes?”
If you’re rethinking what your own retirement might look like, you’re in good company. More people are planning to work or are already working in some capacity during retirement, whether by choice or necessity, and many share a common concern about outliving their savings. At the same time, uncertainty about the future of work—especially with the growing influence of artificial intelligence—is adding new questions about long-term stability and income.
We asked, “In your opinion, what is the likelihood that you could outlive your savings?”
All of this can feel like a lot to navigate, but it also highlights an important opportunity. Planning for retirement today isn’t just about reaching a number; it’s about building a flexible, thoughtful strategy that supports your goals and adapts as life changes. With the right approach, it’s possible to move forward with greater clarity and confidence, even in an uncertain environment.
Get the report: See our complete data on Work & Retirement
Section 03 Financial Independence
Key Takeaways
Forty-two percent of U.S. adults still rely on their parents for financial support, including more than half of Millennials and nearly three in four Gen Zers.
More than half (56 percent) of all U.S. adults say it is harder to achieve financial independence today than it was for previous generations.
Among those who are still financially dependent, more than eight in 10 (82 percent) Gen Zers believe they will be self-sufficient someday.
Whether you’re feeling financially independent or not, one thing is certain: You don’t have to figure it out on your own. The truth is, it’s a journey. According to the 2026 Planning & Progress Study, 42 percent of U.S. adults still rely on their parents for financial support. The good news? With the right support and a plan that’s built around your goals, financial independence is more within reach than it might feel today.
We asked, “How financially independent do you currently feel from your parents (meaning you could support yourself without them if needed)?”
The path to financial independence looks different than it did for previous generations—and that’s something people across all walks of life are feeling. Shifting economic conditions and rising costs have made the journey more complex, but that complexity is also a signal that having a thoughtful plan matters more than ever.
We asked, “Do you believe achieving financial independence is easier or harder today than it was for previous generations?”
Among younger generations, confidence in their financial future is a real and powerful force—and that optimism is a meaningful place to start. Wherever you are on your journey, the most important step is simply deciding to get started.
Get the report: See our complete data on Financial Independence