The new Nationwide Financial Growth and Protection Index shows that rising financial pressures are shifting consumers’ priorities from building wealth to protecting what they have.
key takeaways
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84% say the American dream is now more about financial stability than wealth creation.
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Economic pressures are reshaping priorities, so Americans are leaning more toward financial security than growth.
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While 70% expect their finances to improve, many lack significant financial security.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Americans still believe they can achieve financial success, but the definition of success is changing. as before Nationwide Financial Growth and Security Index, conducted by the Nationwide Retirement Institute.Rising costs and economic uncertainty are reshaping the American dream and consumers are prioritizing financial stability, flexibility and security over traditional means of wealth accumulation.
The Nationwide Financial Development and Protection Index, which measures how consumers balance financial development and financial security, gave Americans a score of 54 on a 100-point scale, indicating that consumers overall are slightly more security-oriented than growth-oriented. This shift is reflected in how Americans now view financial success: 84% say the American dream is now more about financial stability than wealth building, while the same percentage believe it is harder to get ahead financially than in previous generations.
For many Americans, this mindset is shaped by the pressures of everyday financial life. Nearly seven in 10 consumers (68%) reduced spending in the past year to improve their financial situation, while 45% tapped into savings to cover essential expenses. Three-quarters (75%) say their primary financial focus is covering basic expenses, and 74% say they are just trying to stay afloat financially, suggesting that many Americans are making financial decisions from a place of security rather than ambition.
Together, the findings show that Americans are not abandoning financial ambition, but are making decisions from a more defensive position – focused first and foremost on protecting their homes, preserving progress, and avoiding setbacks.
“Financial progress still matters to Americans, but the path to achieving it has changed,” he said. Craig HawleyPresident and COO of Nationwide Financial. “People still want to build wealth, but today’s environment has made financial stability and flexibility just as important. Protecting what you’ve worked hard to build has become an important part of achieving long-term financial success.”
Optimism outweighs preparation
Despite today’s financial pressures, Americans remain optimistic about their future. Seven in 10 consumers (70%) believe they can significantly improve their financial situation over the next five years, while nearly six in 10 (59%) expect their income to increase meaningfully over time.
However, many people have yet to take steps to secure their expected financial future. Only 30% have taken steps to protect against income loss due to illness or injury, and more than one-quarter (27%) say they would not be financially protected at all if their household’s primary income earner was no longer able to work. The findings point to a growing gap between consumers’ financial aspirations and the safeguards in place to protect them.
This disconnect is especially evident when it comes to retirement planning. More than eight in 10 consumers (81%) say they would prefer a guaranteed, predictable retirement income stream over high-growth investments, yet only 24% currently have products or strategies designed to reduce market risk in retirement.
As Americans increasingly define financial success through the lens of sustainability, the findings show that many are still looking for practical ways to turn that priority into a long-term strategy.
Helping Americans balance development and security
The index also points to an opportunity for financial guidance that reflects how consumers are thinking about their financial future. Nearly three-quarters of consumers (74%) say they would be more likely to work with a financial advisor who can help keep them financially secure.
Employer-sponsored retirement plans remain the most common retirement savings vehicle among Americans, creating an important opportunity for retirement planning professionals, including financial advisors and those supporting workplace retirement plans, to help workers create strategies that support long-term growth while preparing for unexpected challenges.
“Our findings suggest that retirement planning is entering a new chapter,” Hawley said. “Building wealth is essential, but consumers also want confidence that their savings can support them through market volatility, longer lifespans and life’s unpredictable challenges. This creates an opportunity for financial advisors and workplace retirement plans to bring together growth and security in a way that better reflects how Americans are preparing for retirement today.”
To learn more about the first Nationwide Financial Development and Security Index, View an infographic, review data or see one Blog post from Craig Hawley.
Methodology
The Nationwide Financial Growth and Security Index research was conducted online among 2,000 adults ages 22 and older in the United States. The survey was conducted from May 1-14, 2026. Respondents were nationally representative in terms of age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, employment status, and income level. The index measures how consumers balance financial growth and financial security by evaluating responses across three dimensions: mindset, action and confidence. Individual pillar scores were weighted and combined to produce an overall index score ranging from 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating a stronger development orientation and higher scores indicating a stronger security orientation.
About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and most strongly diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in fostering customer-centric innovation, Nationwide offers a full range of insurance and financial services products, including auto, business, homeowners, agricultural and life insurance; Public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; Excess and Surplus, Specialty and Surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.
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contact:
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switzem@nationwide.com
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