Americans Are Taking Control,
One Smart Move at a Time.
Insights and executive summary from KeyBank’s 2026 Financial Mobility Pulse Poll.
Since launching our 2026 Financial Mobility Survey, we've continued tracking how Americans are navigating today's economic landscape. With our 2026 Financial Mobility Pulse Poll, we provide fresh insights into financial decisions people are making—revealing what they're doing to build resilience in uncertain times.
Pulse Poll Insights
Hear from Dan Brown, Executive Vice President and Director of Consumer Product Management for KeyBank.
Economic uncertainty is real right now, and it's affecting more people than you might think.
Our latest Financial Mobility Pulse poll shows that across all income levels, Americans are feeling the pressure.
But here's what's really compelling.
People aren't just waiting for things to get better, they're taking action.
One in three Americans are making a financial trade off every single day, including one out of every four Americans making more than $100,000.
And these are not just one time trade-offs, they're becoming lasting changes.
So what are they doing?
They're switching to less expensive brands, up to 59% from 49% last year.
They're cutting subscriptions and memberships, and more than one in three have taken on additional work for extra income.
When we ask what's keeping them up at night, the answers are clear.
The cost of groceries, housing and healthcare.
What stands out to me is the intentionality behind these changes.
They are recalibrating, adapting and taking deliberate action to protect their financial futures.
If you're navigating similar pressures, you are not alone and there are real steps that you can take.
Focus on what you can control, prioritize reducing high interest debts and build an emergency fund by making consistent contributions, and talk to a banker or financial advisor to help chart a path to your confident financial future.
To learn more about our findings and to get resources to help you on your financial journey, visit us at key.com/financial Mobility Survey.
Pulse Poll Executive Summary
Download our Pulse Poll Executive Summary to see how American sentiment has changed over the last several months.
Latest Pulse Poll Findings: How Americans Are Adapting
64% of those surveyed are making financial tradeoffs at least weekly.
• 33% make financial tradeoffs daily
• 31% make financial tradeoffs weekly
88% of those surveyed have made at least one meaningful spending change.
The most common strategies include:
• Reduced discretionary spending.
• 59% have switched to less expensive brands or services.
• 51% have cut subscriptions or memberships.
20% of Americans expressed a positive outlook on their personal financial situation (down from 26% in 2025).
• 24% of households earning $100,000 or more reported a negative U.S. economic outlook.
Looking Ahead: Guidance for Financial Stability in 2026
Practical steps for building financial resilience:
Focus on What’s Controllable: A budget review might reveal opportunities for adjustments. Look for unused subscriptions, opportunities to spend differently, or ways to reduce everyday expenses.
Prioritize Debt Reduction: Tackle high-interest balances first. Even small, consistent payments can make a meaningful difference in reducing overall debt burden.
Build an Emergency Fund: Set aside small, consistent contributions to create a financial cushion. Start with a goal of covering one month of essential expenses, then build from there.
Talk to a Banker or Financial Advisor: A professional can create a personalized plan based on specific financial goals and challenges.
