WASHINGTON – A Financial Literacy Month survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Institute of CPAs shows financial pressures easing slightly, as the share of Americans delaying decisions for financial reasons in the past year dropped from 61 percent in 2025 to 55 percent in 2026.

In addition, the survey shows 36 percent of Americans feel better about their financial situation over the next 12 months compared with the previous 12 months, similar to last year’s survey results (36% in 2026 and 33% in 2025).

Americans were asked if they had postponed anything, including travel, homebuying, higher education, marriage or retirement for financial reasons over the past year. Forty-five percent reported not putting off anything for financial reasons in the past year, a 6 percentage-point increase over the same statistic from 2025 (39%).

One-third of Americans had postponed a vacation. Sixteen percent of Americans reported delaying buying a home.

While 36 percent of Americans feel better about their financial situation over the next 12 months, the cost of goods/services could be a household budget standout. Fifty-nine percent of Americans who have delayed something for financial reasons over the past year said it was due to the cost of goods/services.

“The optimism seen in financial outlook for 2026 is encouraging. However, the reality of rising prices highlights the need for Americans, in particular those ages 18 to 34, to prioritize their financial well-being,” said Cary Sinnett, senior manager for AICPA Personal Financial Planning. “Consumers can utilize Financial Literacy Month as a starting point to take charge of their finances.”

When asked how they felt about their financial situation over the next 12 months compared with the previous 12 months:

  • 36% said they feel much/somewhat better (+3 percentage points compared with 2025).
  • 37% said they feel neither better nor worse (flat compared with 2025).
  • 27% said they feel much/somewhat worse (-3 percentage points compared with 2025).

For those who have delayed purchases and plans:

  • Forty-five percent of Americans said they haven’t delayed anything for financial reasons in the past year (significantly higher than in 2025, 39%).
  • Over half of Americans (55%) said they have delayed something in the past year for financial reasons (significantly lower than 2025, 61%).
  • Seventy percent of Americans ages 18 to 34 are significantly more likely to have delayed something for financial reasons in the past year than those age 45 and older (45%).
  • Sixty-eight percent of those age 65 and over haven’t delayed anything for financial reasons in the past year, significantly higher than those ages 55 to 64 (52%), 45 to 54 (40%), 35 to 44 (34%) and 18 to 34 (30%).
  • Fifty-nine percent of those who have delayed plans/purchases for financial reasons in the past year attribute the delay to higher costs for goods and services (+2 percentage points compared with 2025).