Report highlights how debt, saving, earning, and credit shape Americans' financial journeys, with the new BHG Financial Money Map showing the many routes they can take

DAVIE, FL / ACCESS Newswire / March 17, 2026 / Financial success doesn't look like a straight climb or a single destination in 2026. It looks more like a "Money Map," a series of interconnected routes shaped by income, debt, savings, credit-building and everyday financial decisions. According to new findings from the 2026 BHG Financial Consumer Debt & Finances survey, most Americans feel confident navigating that map, with nearly three-quarters (74%) saying they are optimistic about their financial future.

The new report released today introduces a framework for understanding personal finance: the BHG Financial Money Map. Rather than a straight path to a fixed destination, the BHG Financial Money Map reflects a dynamic financial journey shaped by everyday money moves. While individual paths differ, most Americans believe they are moving in a positive direction.

"The idea that there's a single path to financial success doesn't reflect how people actually manage their money," Tyler Crawford, President of BHG Financial, said. "Our data shows Americans actively managing competing priorities at the same time, like building savings, servicing debt, and preparing for long-term goals. While financial pressures are real for many households, optimism appears rooted in engagement. People are paying attention to their finances, adapting, and making deliberate decisions based on their circumstances."

Optimism also remains strong across income levels. The 2026 BHG Financial Consumer Debt & Finances survey found that 80% of households earning $100,000 or more annually report feeling optimistic about their financial future. Even among those with less than $5,000 across their bank accounts, 57% say they feel optimistic. And while more than half (55%) believe the likelihood of a U.S. recession will increase, 64% of that group still report feeling positive about their own financial outlook.

  • Nearly all respondents (99%) say saving money is somewhat or very important to them, and 49% report having at least $20,000 across their checking and savings accounts.

  • Nearly half (48%) say they're planning to make a big purchase related to travel (flights, hotels, activities, etc.) in the next year.

  • 86% say they feel the American Dream is at least somewhat attainable, though 44% say they believe wages not keeping up with inflation and cost of living is the biggest challenge to achieving the American Dream.

  • 65% say the uncertainty of the U.S. economy is making it harder for them to make sound financial decisions.

  • While 45% say they're saving for retirement, only 31% of Gen Z and 35% of millennials say they are currently doing so, compared with 53% of Gen Xers and 58% of Baby Boomers.

  • 38% of respondents say they are somewhat or very likely to miss a minimum debt payment in the next six months.

"This inaugural data report marks an important milestone for our business and for the broader financial landscape," Al Crawford, CEO and co-founder of BHG Financial, said. "As the industry continues to evolve amid shifting economic conditions and changing consumer expectations, grounding the conversation in real insights about how Americans are managing their money has never been more important. This report brings those perspectives to light, offering a clear view into the financial priorities, pressures, and decisions shaping Americans money moves."

The full data set and insights, as well as the methodology, are available in the BHG Financial data report here.

About BHG Financial
BHG Financial is a national leader in providing financial solutions to American consumers and financial institutions. Since 2001, BHG has facilitated more than $24 billion in loans, helping customers achieve greater financial flexibility in their business and personal lives. With customizable financing, a simplified process, longer loan terms, and personalized service, the BHG Financial approach to lending helps set the company apart in the market. BHG Financial also provides high-quality assets to more than 1,700 national banks that are members of its Institutional Network, one of the largest in the country. Members have access to the BHG Financial state-of-the-art loan delivery platform and premium regulatory services. BHG Financial is partially owned by Pinnacle Bank and has headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Syracuse, NY. For more information, visit bhgfinancial.com.

For More Information
Brooke Niemeyer
Director of Communications
[email protected]

SOURCE: BHG Financial



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