Discovering YOU Magazine September 2025 Issue | Page 61

The median emergency savings balance for Americans:

* Overall: $500

* Gen Z: $400

* Millennials: $300

* Gen X: $500

* Boomers: $2,000

A third (30%) do not believe they could handle unexpected expenses that could arise in the year ahead. Close to 1 in 5 Americans say their savings would cover less than a month of expenses (18%).

The majority (63%) say the rising cost of living has made it harder to build or maintain emergency savings, and 35% say the economy and tariffs have caused them to increase their contributions. More than half (58%) say saving for emergencies feels "almost impossible" with how expensive everything is right now.

In the past year, many have faced unplanned financial events including:

(BPT) - The median emergency savings for Americans is $500, according to new Empower research. The size of the safety net varies by generation, with Boomers saving a median of $2,000 - five times that of Gen Z's reserves of $400. One-third of Americans (32%) don't have an emergency savings fund and 29% say they can't afford an unexpected expense over $400.

Half of Americans admit they're stressed about their current level of emergency savings (50%) and recognize the importance of a safety net. Some 75% of Americans agree emergency savings are essential for financial security and 64% say it's a financial priority for them.

Emergency savings are top of mind - and a moving target

The majority of Americans (64%) say growing their emergency savings is a financial priority right now - even if they're still finding their financial footing. So where do things stand?

Americans Have $500 in

Emergency Savings

MIND YOUR BUSINESS

Article from BPT Website