Over half of consumers have a negative view of their finances, as households struggle to make ends meet without relying on debt
SAN MATEO, Calif., Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — More than 70% of consumers said their financial situation has stagnated or gotten worse over the past year, while less than half of respondents (45%) rate their current financial situation positively, according to a new survey by Achieve, the fintech for everyday Americans.
About one in three consumers (34%) said their financial situation has gotten worse over the past year, while 37% said their situation hasn’t changed and just 29% of consumers said their financial situation improved. Achieve’s survey also found that 33% of respondents rated their overall financial situation as “Good” and 12% gave a rating of “Excellent,” compared to 36% who rated their situation as “Fair” and 20% who gave a “Poor” rating.
The September 2026 survey of 2,000 consumers was conducted by the Achieve Center for Consumer Insights think tank, and complements the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s upcoming Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit by providing qualitative insights into consumer borrowing and debt. Other key findings from Achieve’s survey include:
- 54% of consumers are carrying credit card balances to cover the rising cost of essential expenses, down slightly from 55% in the third quarter 2026 edition of the survey. Among all respondents, 27% said they’ve been carrying card balances for essential expenses for more than six months.
- 57% of consumers said it would take them six months or longer to pay off all their short-term, unsecured debts (excluding student loans).
- 38% of respondents have difficulty maintaining on-time payments of their debts, up from 34% last quarter. Meanwhile, 33% said they were unable to pay all of their bills on time during the past three months.
“The survey highlights the significant economic strain Americans were facing as they headed to the polls earlier this month,” said Achieve Co-Founder and Co-CEO Brad Stroh. “But the historic results of this election won’t immediately resolve those underlying challenges, and many households are likely to continue to struggle heading into next year.”
Despite Trouble Paying Bills, Most Consumers Say They Have a Handle on Their Debt
Respondents’ attitudes toward carrying a credit card balance to cover essential expenses were split nearly evenly, with 51% saying they’re uncomfortable with the practice and 49% saying they’re OK with it.
About one in four (26%) of consumers said their overall debt increased over the past three months, an increase from 22% last quarter, while 32% said their debt has decreased (compared to 33% last quarter) and 42% reported no change (versus 45% last quarter).
Despite many consumers reporting difficulty paying their bills and relying on credit cards to make ends meet, 52% of respondents said they have a manageable amount of debt, compared to 23% who said they have a bit more debt than is manageable, 8% who feel they have far more debt than is manageable and 17% who said they don’t have any debt.
Methodology
The data presented is from a September 2026 survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers ages 18 and older with an active account for one or more of the following categories of consumer debt: auto loan; major credit card with a minimum outstanding balance of $100; first-lien mortgage; home equity line of credit (HELOC); student loan; and other (unsecured personal loan, store-branded credit card, buy now, pay later loan, or closed-end home equity loan).
About the Achieve Center for Consumer Insights
The Achieve Center for Consumer Insights is a think tank that leverages Achieve’s team of digital personal finance experts to provide a view into the state of consumer finances. In addition to sharing insights gleaned from Achieve’s proprietary data and analytics, the Achieve Center for Consumer Insights publishes in-depth research, bespoke data and thoughtful commentary in support of Achieve’s mission of helping everyday people get on the path to a better financial future.
About Achieve
Achieve, the fintech for everyday Americans, helps everyday people get on, and stay on, the path to a better financial future. Achieve pairs proprietary data and analytics with personalized support to offer personal loans, home equity loans, debt relief and debt consolidation, along with financial tips and education. Achieve is frequently recognized for providing top-rated customer experience and satisfaction by both consumers and leading personal finance review platforms and has 2,200 dedicated teammates across the country, with hubs in Arizona, California, Florida and Texas.
Achieve refers to the global organization and may denote one or more affiliates of Achieve Company, including Achieve.com, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #138464); Achieve Home Loans, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #1810501); Achieve Personal Loans (NMLS ID #227977); Freedom Debt Relief (NMLS ID # 1248929); and Freedom Financial Asset Management (CRD #170229).
Contacts
Austin Kilgore
akilgore@achieve.com
214-908-5097
Elina Tarkazikis
etarkazikis@achieve.com
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SOURCE Achieve
