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Nearly half of Americans are delaying financial decisions but waiting can leave you more vulnerable

• Nearly half of Americans are delaying financial decisions. Many are waiting until the economy feels more stable, but this can leave your finances more vulnerable.

• Start with moves you can afford now. Build a small emergency fund, attack high-interest debt, and contribute enough to capture your employers full retirement match.

• Check for holes in your financial safety net. Review your insurance, deductibles and beneficiaries, and ask which unexpected expense would hurt your household the most.

Nearly half of Americans are waiting for the economy to feel safer before making an important financial move.

That's according to Mutual of Omaha's 2026 Protection Index Report, which found 46% are delaying a financial decision until the economy feels more stable. Just 21% are considered Protection Confident, down from 26% in 2023.

So what should you not put off?

ConsumerAffairs interviewed Nate Hobson, vice president of sales, Advisor Network at Mutual of Omaha, to find out.

The challenge is that waiting can sometimes leave you more exposed, Hobson told us. You don't need a lot of extra money to start making progress.

Here are four smart places to start.

1. Build a $500 'life happens' fund

You've probably heard that an emergency fund should cover three to six months of expenses. That's a great goal. It's also intimidating when you have $37 in savings. So, start smaller.

Maybe it's setting aside $10, $25, or $50 a month to start building an emergency fund, Hobson said.

Your first target could simply be enough to prevent an ordinary financial headache like a flat tire, veterinarian bill, or broken appliance from landing on a high-interest credit card.

The survey found emergency savings was one of the top things Americans associate with feeling financially secure.

Pro tip: Name your savings account something painful. Emergency Savings is easy to raid, instead try something like Don't Put the Water Heater on Visa or Car Repair Fund. Giving the money a specific purpose can make dipping into it for concert tickets or a new TV feel a lot less tempting.

2. Make expensive debt your financial emergency

If you're carrying a high-interest credit card balance, waiting for the economy to improve isn't going to stop the interest meter.

Hobson says putting even a modest amount toward a credit card balance can reduce debt and improve credit utilization.

And consumers clearly have debt on their minds. When survey respondents were asked what they'd do with an unexpected $1,000, paying down debt was the most popular answer, followed by adding to savings.

If you have several balances, consider directing extra money toward the debt charging you the highest interest rate while making minimum payments on the others.

Pro tip: Calculate your interest rent. Look at your latest credit card statement and find how much interest you were charged last month. Multiply it by 12. Seeing that you're potentially paying $900 or $1,500 a year just for the privilege of carrying debt can provide considerably more motivation than staring at an APR.

3. Don't accidentally turn down part of your paycheck

Retirement can feel like the easiest financial goal to postpone because you won't need the money tomorrow.

But there's one contribution you should be especially reluctant to skip which is the amount needed to capture your employer's full retirement match, if one is offered.

If your employer offers a retirement match, that's an opportunity you don't want to overlook, Hobson said.

If money is too tight for a major contribution increase, try moving the percentage up gradually. Going from 4% to 5% probably won't transform your paycheck. Repeating that move over several years could transform your retirement savings.

Pro tip: Give your next raise to your future self before you meet it. When you get a 3% raise, immediately send one percentage point to retirement. Your take-home pay still increases, but so does your savings rate. It's much easier than trying to cut spending later to find that same money.

4. Find the financial hole that could sink you

Some expenses are too big for even a healthy emergency fund. That's why Hobson recommends looking beyond savings and reviewing the insurance protecting you and your family.

Only 4% of Americans surveyed said they feel fully financially protected, even though 89% feel responsible for protecting their family's financial future.

Hobson says you may actually be in better financial shape than you think if you're keeping debt manageable, regularly saving something, and have appropriate insurance for the people who depend on you.

The warning signs that youre struggling financially are fairly straightforward. If one surprise expense could push you further into debt, saving keeps getting crowded out by other priorities, or you're unclear about whether your insurance would be enough when it matters, your financial safety net may have some gaps, he said.

Review your life, disability, homeowners or renters, and auto coverage. Check your deductibles and beneficiaries while you're at it.

Pro tip: Do the gone tomorrow test. Ask yourself, If my paycheck disappeared tomorrow, what bill would create the biggest financial disaster for my family? Your answer can reveal whether your biggest weakness is emergency savings, debt, disability coverage, life insurance, or something else entirely.

You might be doing better than you think

One of the more interesting findings from the Protection Index is the disconnect between what Americans are doing and how secure they feel.

Despite low confidence, 57% are cutting nonessential spending, 54% use rewards programs, 39% compare prices or switch providers, and 38% follow a monthly budget.

Those aren't the behaviors of people who have completely given up on their finances.

The problem may be that financial security can feel like an all-or-nothing achievement: Either you've got six months of expenses saved, no debt, a huge retirement account and perfect insurance coverageor you're failing.

Hobson's advice is much more practical. Small steps, done consistently, can put you in a much stronger position over time.

Rising living costs and retirement savings shortfalls are prompting more Americans to push back their plans to leave the workforce

• 35% of workers say their expected retirement age has moved later over the past three years, with 64% citing rising living costs as a major barrier.

• More than half of workers (51%) say theyre behind on retirement savings or havent started saving, while 32% arent confident theyll ever be able to fully retire.

• Career expert Dr. Jasmine Escalera recommends focusing on earning potential, taking full advantage of employer retirement benefits, and exploring additional income opportunities when possible.

For many Americans, retirement is supposed to be the point when they can finally step away from work and enjoy more freedom. But for a growing number of workers, that milestone is starting to feel further out of reach.

New research suggests that rising costs and concerns about having enough savings are causing many people to rethink when or even whether theyll be able to retire.

According to MyPerfectResumes Retirement Reality Gap Report, 35% of workers say their expected retirement age has gotten later over the past three years. Meanwhile, 64% say the cost of living is making it harder to retire as early as they would like.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with career expert Dr. Jasmine Escalera who explained whats behind these changing expectations and what workers can consider as they plan for the future.

Absolutely. Id keep this pretty tight so it gives readers the methodology without bogging down the story.

What the survey found

MyPerfectResumes findings are based on a national survey of 1,000 U.S. workers conducted through Pollfish in May 2026. Respondents answered a combination of single-selection and multiple-choice questions about their retirement expectations, savings progress, confidence about retiring, barriers to early retirement, and views on the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement. The survey included respondents across a range of ages, from 18 to 65 and older.

The results point to a growing gap between when workers would like to retire and when they believe they realistically can. Heres a look at the key findings:

• 35% say their expected retirement age has moved later over the past three years.

• 55% expect to retire at 65 or later.

• 64% said rising expenses are keeping them from retiring as early as they would like.

• More than half of workers (51%) say they are behind on their retirement savings or haven't started saving.

• 32% aren't confident they'll ever be able to fully retire.

• 51% say retiring before 60 isn't realistic for someone with a typical full-time job.

• 71% say the FIRE approach is unrealistic for most people or is mainly achievable for high earners and wealthy households.

The impact on career

With 35% of respondents saying theyre delaying retirement due to living costs, Dr. Escalera says this can also have impacts on long-term career goals and expectations.

Staying employable for longer becomes a major consideration, Dr. Escalera said. Workers may need to think about keeping their skills current or whether the work they're doing today is something they can realistically continue doing later in life.

If people are going to spend more years in the workforce than they originally planned, they may need to start thinking earlier about how their careers can evolve with them.

She also said that some workers may consider secondary sources of income, such as part-time work, consulting, or freelance opportunities, to build a greater financial cushion for the future.

For workers considering this path, it's important to weigh the additional income against the impact that working more may have on their careers and other areas of their lives, Dr. Escalera said.

Getting on track with retirement saving

If saving for retirement feels out of reach, Dr. Escalera has some tips.

A great immediate first step is to assess whether there are opportunities in your career to increase your earning potential, she said. That could mean exploring whether a raise or promotion is possible in your current role, or considering whether your skills and experience could get you a higher salary elsewhere.

It's also important to understand the retirement benefits available through your current job, including whether your employer offers a retirement match and whether you're taking full advantage of it.

Is retirement possible?

The survey also found that 14% of respondents dont think retirement will ever be possible. Dr. Escalera hopes that consumers dont give up hope here. Instead, she recommends planning as soon as possible.

If retirement feels unattainable right now, one of the best things a worker can do is get a clearer understanding of what might actually be possible based on their income, expenses, savings, and current financial situation, she said. That could mean finding out whether your company offers access to financial planning resources or looking for organizations that provide free or low-cost financial education and support.

When facing financial pressure, it can be really difficult to imagine a future in which retirement is possible. Getting support from someone who understands retirement planning can help you think through what that future could realistically look like and create a plan to start working toward it.

Rising costs are leaving many Americans with little room in their budgets for unexpected home or car repairs

• 67% of home and auto policyholders say covering an unexpected $1,000 expense would be a struggle.

• One-third of policyholders who have filed an insurance claim say their coverage fell short of expectations.

• Experts say building an emergency fund and regularly reviewing your insurance coverage can help you prepare for unexpected costs.

An unexpected home or car expense can put a serious strain on a household budget, especially at a time when many Americans are already juggling higher everyday costs.

A new survey from VIU by HUB suggests that a $1,000 surprise expense could be more than many policyholders can comfortably handle.

The survey found that 67% of people with home or auto insurance say covering an unexpected $1,000 expense would be a struggle. And for some consumers, the financial pressure doesnt end there: One-third of policyholders who have filed an insurance claim say their coverage fell short of what they expected.

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Jeff Wilcoxon, Senior Strategy and Corporate Development Principal at VIU by HUB, to learn more about these findings, how consumers can start saving today, and more.

The survey

The VIU by HUB Insurance Experience Survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of VIU by HUB from June 16-18, 2026. The survey included 2,087 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, including 1,663 people who have home or auto insurance.

The survey points to a number of financial and coverage concerns among policyholders. Here are some of the key findings:

• About two-thirds (67%) said covering an unexpected $1,000 home or auto expense would be a struggle, including 21% who said it would be a serious hardship or significant struggle.

• Among those who have filed an insurance claim, 33% said their coverage fell short of expectations, with 14% saying none of their claim was covered

• Forty-one percent said they haven't made any changes to their homeowners or auto insurance in more than a year.

• 20% haven't made changes since they first purchased their policy.

• 88% said they would value an insurance provider that proactively lets them know when their coverage no longer fits their needs.

Building an emergency fund

With nearly 70% of those surveyed saying they wouldnt be prepared in the event of an unexpected $1,000 expense, Wilcoxon emphasized the importance of building a strong emergency fund.

Start by looking at the expenses you'd be responsible for after an unexpected home or auto incident, he said. That means understanding your policy's deductibles, reviewing whether your coverage limits still reflect today's repair and replacement costs, and identifying any gaps that could leave you paying out of pocket. From there, you can set a savings target that accounts for those potential costs.

The best advice is to work with an insurance professional who can help you understand the nuances of your coverage, address gaps proactively, and plan for any outside expenses to make sure your emergency savings and insurance work together.

The importance of reviewing your policy

Another key finding from the survey was that 65% of people think switching insurance policies is too time consuming. However, Wilcoxon explained that taking the time to regularly review your policies can be beneficial for a few reasons.

There are really two things keeping people from reviewing their coverage, he said. First, many may assume a review means shopping every carrier from scratch, so they put it off. But its simpler than that. Its checking whether your limits still match what it actually costs to rebuild your home or replace your car today, since material and labor costs have climbed over the past few years.

Second, some people have felt stuck with the coverage they have. In tighter markets, options narrowed, so shopping felt pointless. Thats starting to loosen and having an independent insurance advisor who can check multiple carriers on your behalf makes it easier to see whats actually out there now.

This becomes especially important during different life stages, like home renovations or even taking in an aging parent.

Renovations can increase the value of the home itself, while taking in an aging parent or adding another household member can affect personal property, liability, and other coverage needs, Wilcoxon said. Reviewing with an insurance expert can help assess the changes, identify potential gaps or unnecessary costs, and present options that fit your new lifestyle.

The goal is simple: making sure your insurance keeps up with you, rather than leaving you to figure it out when something goes wrong.

Before taking their advice, make sure they're human

• Fake AI doctors are promoting supplements online. They sometimes impersonate real medical professionals without their permission.

• Verify the expert before you buy. Search their name, credentials, and medical affiliation and be skeptical if they exist only on social media.

• Watch for miracle claims and pressure tactics. Promises of dramatic results, secret cures, and limited-time offers are strong signs to slow down and investigate.

That friendly doctor or wellness expert showing up in your social media feed may not be a real person.

A recent New York Times investigation found that scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create convincing-looking health influencers who promote supplements with exaggerated, or completely false, claims. Some videos even use AI to imitate the faces and voices of real doctors without their permission.

As AI tools become more sophisticated, it's getting harder to tell what's real and what's fake. But there are still several warning signs consumers can watch for before clicking "Buy Now."

The 'expert' doesn't seem to exist

Before trusting health advice, take a minute to verify who's giving it.

Go to Google and search for the person's name along with terms like "MD," "clinic," or "hospital." A legitimate physician or registered dietitian should have an online presence beyond just social media. These should include either a medical practice website, hospital profile, or a professional licensing record of some sort.

If the only search results you find are copies of the same ad or social media accounts, consider that to be a big red flag.

The claims sound too good to be true

Promises of dramatic results are one of the biggest warning signs.

Be skeptical of supplements that claim to reverse chronic diseases, melt away fat without diet or exercise, erase wrinkles overnight, or deliver "miracle" results. Legitimate health experts generally discuss both the benefits and limitations of a product rather than guaranteeing life-changing outcomes.

Watch for subtle AI clues

Many AI-generated videos are remarkably realistic, but some still contain telltale signs.

Look for lip movements that don't quite match the audio, unnatural blinking, overly smooth skin, awkward facial expressions, or hands that briefly appear distorted. While these flaws are becoming less common, they can still reveal that a video was generated by AI.

High-pressure sales tactics

Scam ads are designed to make you buy before you think.

Phrases like "Only today," "Limited supply," or "Doctors don't want you to know this secret" are meant to create urgency and discourage you from doing your own research.

A reputable company wont mind if you take a day to compare products and read independent reviews. Theyd actually encourage it.

Verify the company not just the product

Before purchasing, spend a few minutes looking at the company's website.

Missing contact information, vague "About Us" pages, poor grammar, and unrealistic customer testimonials can all signal that a seller isn't trustworthy. It's also smart to search the product name along with terms like "FDA warning," "lawsuit," or "consumer complaints" to see whether problems have already been reported.

The bottom line

Artificial intelligence is making fake health influencers more convincing than ever, and experts expect these to become even more common.

Before spending money on a supplement recommended by someone on social media, pause, and do a little homework. Verifying who's behind the recommendation, checking for independent evidence, and resisting high-pressure sales tactics can help protect both your wallet and your health.

When it comes to medical advice online, remember that a white lab coat and a polished video are no longer proof that the person on your screen is actually real.

Rossmonster and E-One are part of this week's auto recall roundup