More Than Half of Workers Can't Cover a $500 Emergency Expense, SecureSave Survey Finds

Financial strain and savings gap contributing to financial stress, missed work and reduced productivity

MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New national research commissioned by SecureSave, the leading provider of workplace Emergency Savings Accounts (ESAs), reveals more than half of American workers (55%) cannot cover an unexpected $500 expense from savings. The lack of emergency savings is contributing to significant financial strain with 41% of workers skipping a necessary expense including medical care, food or car repairs during the past six months because they lacked sufficient savings. The findings highlight how vulnerable households remain to financial emergencies.

The 2026 SecureSave Financial Stress Survey found that 26% have no emergency savings at all while 67% have less than three months of expenses set aside. As the cost of living continues to rise, 56% of workers report moderate to high financial stress.

The survey also underscores how insufficient emergency savings and household financial health can affect workplace performance. More than one-third of workers (38%) reported missing work during the past six months due to financial challenges, while 28% admit a financial emergency negatively affected their job performance.

"For millions of workers without a financial safety net, a broken appliance, unexpected medical bill or car repair is a setback that can force difficult choices, from delaying medical care to taking on debt or tapping retirement savings,” said Devin Miller, Co-Founder and Head of SecureSave. “When employees have emergency savings, they are better prepared to manage sudden expenses without disrupting their financial well-being or work. This is also a practical way for employers to support financial well-being and reduce the impact financial emergencies can have on everyday life and work.”

“No one in this country should have to skip a meal or delay medical care because a car repair came first — yet that’s exactly what 41% of workers told us they’re doing. Emergency savings isn’t a luxury. It’s the difference between facing life’s surprises with confidence or with dread,” said Suze Orman, Co-Founder of SecureSave.

Workers with little or no emergency savings are more vulnerable to unexpected expenses, making them more likely to experience financial stress, delay necessary purchases and face workplace disruptions.

Key Findings

Lack of Emergency Savings Is Driving Financial Stress and Trade Offs

• 55% cannot cover an unexpected $500 expense from savings
• 26% have no emergency savings
• 45% have less than one month of expenses saved
• 42 have two or less months of expenses saved
• 67% have less than three months of emergency savings
• 53% of women have less than one month of emergency savings, compared with 37% of men

Workers Are Making Difficult Trade-Offs

• 46% are spending more than they were a year ago
• 37% increased credit card debt over the last year
• 41% skipped necessary expenses including medical care, meals, rent and/or car repair over the past six months because they lacked sufficient emergency savings

One survey participant said:

"My HVAC system failed unexpectedly during a heatwave, and the emergency replacement cost nearly $6,000 out of pocket. The stress of managing that unplanned expense while keeping up with work demands made it difficult to stay focused and productive for several weeks."

Retirement Savings Are Taking a Hit

• 25% have reduced, paused, borrowed from, or withdrawn retirement savings.
• 23% are saving less for retirement than they were a year ago.
• 20% expect to retire at age 70 or older.
• 14% say they may never retire.

What’s Driving Financial Challenges?

• 78% Cost of living
• 48% Income not keeping pace with inflation
• 45% Economic uncertainty

Employers Can Help

The survey found strong support for employer-sponsored emergency savings programs.

67% of respondents said a $200 annual employer contribution to an emergency savings account would help reduce financial stress and improve their performance at work, while 59% said it would make them more likely to stay with their employer.

Employees participating in employer-sponsored emergency savings programs are steadily building financial resilience. Average emergency savings balances increased nearly 12% year over year, from $829 in June 2025 to $926 in June 2026.

To date, SecureSave has helped more than 65,000 people save over $170 million.

About the 2026 SecureSave Worker Financial Stress Survey

In June 2026, SecureSave commissioned a national online survey of 1,028 U.S.-based workers ages 18 to 65 to assess financial wellbeing, savings habits, sources of financial stress, and the impact of financial challenges on work and personal finances.

About SecureSave

SecureSave, a subsidiary of Webster Bank, N.A. acquired by HSA Bank in 2025, is an easy-to-use, low-cost workplace emergency savings solution designed to enhance employee financial wellness. Co-founded by Devin Miller, Bassam Saliba, and Suze Orman, SecureSave helps consumers prepare for unexpected expenses without jeopardizing long-term financial security. Visit www.securesave.com for more information.