Nearly half of adults say they’re three or more years behind where previous generations were at the same stage of life
Key takeaways:
Americans still believe they can reach their financial goals, even as many push major milestones further out.
As timelines stretch, consumers are focusing on smaller wins, well-being and personalized tools that help them stay on track.
Most U.S. adults remain confident they will reach their financial goals, even as many delay major financial milestones, according to new data from U.S. Bank.
The bank’s 2026 Milestones Survey finds that 58% of U.S. adults say they are at least somewhat confident they will reach their financial goals in the next five years, with Gen Z confidence at 66%, outpacing other generations.
Nearly half of adults (46%) said they feel like they’re three or more years behind where previous generations were at the same stage of life, and two in three said they are delaying at least one major financial milestone. That figure increased to 54% among Millennials.
However, confidence remains steady even among those delaying major milestones, with 56% reporting confidence.
“While financial timelines are shifting for many households, people aren’t abandoning their goals,” said Derik Farrar, head of Everyday Banking and Borrowing at U.S. Bank. “Expectations are adapting as households stay focused on long-term progress and use personalized tools to stay engaged.”
The most commonly delayed goals include paying off non student loan debt (26%), buying a car (24%), building an emergency fund (19%) and saving for retirement (17%). Among adults delaying milestones, most cited rising living costs outpacing income and everyday expenses consuming too much of their budgets as contributing factors.
Consumers focus on smaller wins and well being as timelines stretch
As larger financial goals take longer to reach, the survey found that many consumers are prioritizing more immediate, lower cost ways to support well being. Forty four percent of adults said they are spending more on self care and wellness, more than any other category measured in the survey.
By comparison, fewer reported spending more on travel (34%), and even fewer said they are increasing spending on luxury clothing or accessories (26%), indicating a greater focus on balance over large purchase splurges.
Personalized banking tools play a key role in sustaining confidence
The survey also highlighted the role personalized banking tools play in maintaining confidence. Sixty seven percent of adults said personalized budgeting and savings tools are valuable, making them the most sought after form of bank support.
About six in 10 also value goal tracking features, proactive alerts and educational resources within their banking apps. Respondents said these tools help them track progress, adjust plans and stay motivated when goals take longer to achieve.
Learn more about the digital banking tools offered by U.S. Bank at www.usbank.com/onlinebanking.
###
Methodology
The survey of 3,005 U.S. adults was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of U.S. Bank. Results are based on responses from the total adult population, with findings shown for key subgroups including adults delaying at least one financial milestone, those not delaying milestones and generational cohorts. The study was prepared in April 2026.
About U.S. Bank
Headquartered in Minneapolis, U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. Our three major business lines serve 15 million clients throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, and our team of nearly 70,000 people invest our hearts and minds to power human potential every day. Ranked 105th on the Fortune 500, we are deeply respected for our culture and long-term stewardship and admired for our diversified business mix and product capabilities
Latest News & Stories
Disclosures
Equal Housing Lender