NerdWallet Financial Resilience Index slips to 61.5 as Americans’ day-to-day financial control falls to 73%

NerdWallet’s September 2026 Financial Resilience Index fell to 61.5 from 62.1 in August, signalling weaker household financial readiness.

• The share of Americans feeling in control of day-to-day finances slid to 73% from 75% in August, extending a two-month decline.
• Recession expectations dropped to 61% from 64%, marking improved macro sentiment despite deteriorating personal budget confidence.
• Cash cushions weakened, with 63% able to cover an unexpected $1,000 expense, down from 67% in August.
• Credit reliance stayed elevated at 35%, with parents more likely to use credit than non-parents, 44% versus 31%.