Women more likely to lack emergency savings

Fifty-three percent of women have less than one month of emergency savings, compared to 37% of men. The 2026 SecureSave Financial Stress survey found that more than half of workers across the United States can’t cover a $500 emergency. The report notes that workers are making “trade-offs” to manage their financial stress, with 46% spending more than a year ago and 37% saying they carry more credit card debt. Four in 10 have skipped necessary expenses such as medical repairs, meals, rent or car repairs. A recent Harris Poll found that one in four women say they have no emergency fund whatsoever, with women in midlife particularly vulnerable.