Study: Most Americans Doubt Their Finances Will Improve in 2019

Jan 14, 2019

A new survey conducted by Bankrate.com has found 55 percent of Americans do not think their personal financial situation will improve this year over last year. Twelve percent of survey responded predicted their situation will be worse and 44 percent expected it to remain unchanged.

For those who think their finances will be worse off this year, 49 percent blamed the political leadership in Washington for their perceived misfortune. Other factors being blamed include a cost of living increase (38 percent), increased debt (37 percent), generating less money from savings or investments (21 percent), rising interest rates (19 percent) and earning less money from their job (18 percent).

Furthermore, Bankrate.com reported that 89 percent of respondents had at least one financial goal for this year. Paying down debt was the most cited goal (33 percent), followed by better budgeting (13 percent), saving more money for retirement (12 percent), saving more for emergencies (10 percent), getting a higher paying job (six percent), investing more (five percent) and buying a new home (four percent).

“Regardless of whether or not one is upbeat on financial prospects for the coming year, the fact is that more Americans need to make savings a priority,” said Bankrate.com Senior Economic Analyst Mark Hamrick. “Too many are living paycheck-to-paycheck, even at a time when the economy has been broadly judged to be doing well. Savings rates continue to tick up, so now is a great time to shop around for a place to park, and add to, that emergency fund.”

About the author

Phil Hall

Link copied

Published

Jan 14, 2019

Industry News

Newfi And Addy AI Announce Partnership

Newfi and Addy AI today announced a collaboration focused on the continued evolution of artificial intelligence in mortgage lending

Newfi and Addy AI today announced a collaboration focused on the continued evolution of artificial intelligence in mortgage lending.Newfi has built innovative lending products and a modern approach to the mortgage market. As the industry evolves, the company continues to exp...

Analysis and Data

Smaller Down Payments Give Buyers More Room, But Rates Limit The Savings

The typical down payment fell 9% from a year ago, while shifting market conditions are giving originators different affordability conversations across the country

Homebuyers are putting less money down than they were a year ago, another sign that increased inventory and greater negotiating room are changing the purchase market.The typical down payment fell to $27,100 in the second quarter of 2026, the lowest second-quarter dollar amou...

Oct

Denver, CO

More from

Industry News

CHLA: More Freddie Mac MBS Buying Could Narrow Mortgage Spreads

Trade group estimates greater Freddie participation could compress spreads another 10 to 12 basis points as Fannie has taken the lead in GSE mortgage-bond buying

Industry News

Sep 23, 2026

Early Loan-Limit Race Splits Into Three Tiers

Lenders are now offering $845,000, $847,440, or $850,000 before FHFA sets the official 2027 limits

Industry News

Sep 23, 2026

Better, Garg Clash Over Claimed 46% Shareholder Support

Better disputes its former CEO’s preliminary consent count as the two sides trade accusations and an Oct. 2 target date approaches

C-Suite Strategies

Sep 23, 2026

Fannie Changes How Rent From A Former Home Counts

Fannie now prohibits leases for departing residences and permits market-analysis tools instead of Form 1007, creating a key documentation difference from Freddie Mac

Regulation and Compliance

Sep 22, 2026

MPF Expands Eligibility For Manufactured And Renovation Loans

The Mortgage Partnership Finance Program has expanded MPF Traditional eligibility for affordable loans, manufactured homes, renovations, and lender-funded assistance

Industry News

Sep 22, 2026