Americans Respond To Financial Pressures With Smarter Spending And Increased Saving

KeyBank survey finds Americans are making daily financial trade-offs and adjusting habits to navigate economic uncertainty

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:35am

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A vibrant abstract composition of overlapping triangles and circles in shades of blue, red, and yellow, conceptually representing the financial adjustments Americans are making in response to economic pressures.As economic uncertainty persists, Americans are proactively managing their finances through intentional daily decisions and lasting habit changes.Cleveland Today

A new KeyBank survey finds that 33% of Americans are making financial trade-offs daily, and another 31% are doing so weekly, as they adjust their spending and savings habits in response to economic pressures. The survey reveals that 88% of Americans have made at least one meaningful change to their financial behavior, with common strategies including switching to less expensive brands, cutting subscriptions, and taking on side hustles.

Why it matters

The survey results show that Americans across income levels are being proactive in managing their finances during a period of economic uncertainty, rather than waiting for conditions to improve. This suggests a heightened level of financial engagement and adaptability as people navigate rising costs of living.

The details

The KeyBank 2026 Financial Mobility Pulse Poll found that 33% of Americans are making daily financial trade-offs, and another 31% are doing so weekly, as they adjust their spending and savings habits. Higher earners are not exempt, with 26% of those with incomes over $100,000 making daily financial compromises. The most common strategies include switching to less expensive brands or services (59%), cutting subscriptions or memberships (51%), and reducing discretionary spending (11%). Side hustles are also on the rise, with 35% of Americans taking on additional work to generate supplemental income, led by 49% of Gen Z.

  • The KeyBank 2026 Financial Mobility Pulse Poll was conducted in January 2026.
  • The survey is a follow-up to KeyBank's Financial Mobility Survey conducted in July 2025.

The players

Daniel Brown

EVP & Director, Consumer Product Management at KeyBank.

KeyBank

A large bank-based financial services company with approximately $184 billion in assets as of December 31, 2025.

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What they’re saying

“The financial pressures people face today are real and widespread across the financial spectrum. What stands out, though, is that Americans aren't waiting for conditions to improve. They're being proactive and resourceful in response to these pressures, and these aren't just one-time reactions – 88% of Americans have made at least one meaningful adjustment to their finances. People are navigating the current economic climate through daily decisions that are quickly becoming lasting habits.”

— Daniel Brown, EVP & Director, Consumer Product Management

What’s next

KeyBank has identified five priorities to help Americans turn today's financial adjustments into long-term financial strength, including shifting to proactive budgeting, channeling supplemental income into savings and debt reduction, seeking personalized financial guidance, deepening banking relationships, and optimizing everyday banking products.

The takeaway

The survey findings demonstrate that Americans are taking a proactive and adaptable approach to managing their finances during a period of economic uncertainty, with daily trade-offs and meaningful adjustments becoming the norm across income levels. This heightened financial engagement suggests a resilient consumer base that is navigating current pressures through intentional, lasting changes to their spending and savings habits.