BUSINESS MATTERS
* Gen Z: 25% say they don't have emergency savings yet, but a notable 33% have worked with a financial professional to help them get started.
* Millennials: Nearly 3 in 10 have consulted an advisor about emergency savings, and they're increasingly focused on building long-term security.
* Gen X: The most likely generation to say they couldn't afford an unexpected $400 expense (35%).
* Boomers: Feel they could handle an emergency expense over $10,000.
A roadmap for resilience
When asked what would make the biggest difference in their ability to save more, respondents pointed to:
* Higher income (48%)
* Lower monthly expenses (37%)
* Lower inflation or more stable prices (36%)
* Ability to pay off debt first (27%)
* Better tools and smarter automation (9%)
Safety net snapshot
Americans are expecting the unexpected, and many are seeking advice: More than 1 in 4 people (26%) have worked with a financial professional to plan for emergencies, including 33% of Gen Zers and 29% of Millennials.
Methodology:
Empower's "The Safety Net" study is based on online survey responses from
2,202 Americans ages 18+ fielded by a third-party panel provider from June 3-5, 2025. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults.
RO4715749-0825