Affordability continues to be the chief financial challenge for American households, with concerns about costs far outpacing all other financial worries, according to Gallup's annual Economy and Personal Finance survey, conducted between April 1 and April 15.
Affordability is also likely to be a key campaign issue in November's midterm elections.
Americans' overall assessments of their financial situation are similar to what they have been each year since 2022, Gallup said. Less than half continue to rate their financial situation as excellent or good, and more than a third call it only fair. Relatively few say their situation is poor.
The recent decline in Americans' financial confidence contrasts with 2016 through 2021, Gallup noted, when half or more of respondents typically rated their finances positively. Current readings are more in line with the 2008-2015 period, although they are not quite as negative as those during and immediately after the Great Recession, when only about 40% were positive.
Americans' financial outlook in 2026 is also historically poor, with a record 55% saying their financial situation is getting worse, Gallup said. This is similar to last year's 53% but up from 47% in 2024. It marks the fifth consecutive year more Americans say their finances are worsening rather than improving.
The only similar multiyear period when the larger share felt their financial situation was worsening was during the Great Recession.
See the accompanying gallery for nine top-of-mind financial concerns weighing on Americans in 2026.
© Touchpoint Markets, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.