Workers report lowest level of financial security in 7 years
Roughly a third of employees said they put off or skipped medical or dental care in the past year because of financial concerns, a new survey found.
Recent research reveals that American workers are experiencing their lowest level of financial security in seven years. A survey of 6,000 U.S. employees by benefits company Willis Towers Watson found that financial security among U.S. employees dropped from 46% to 36%. While employees report positive shifts in physical health and social connections, they express a worsening sense of well-being in terms of money matters.
Rising financial pressures are altering employees' attitudes toward healthcare, retirement plans, and work performance. Across all age groups, approximately one-third of employees report skipping or delaying medical or dental appointments due to cost concerns, even with health insurance, according to WTW. The high cost of healthcare, including high deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses, is creating significant barriers to accessing necessary care.
Employees in their 40s reported feeling the least financially secure, with only 30% feeling secure, compared to half of those aged 60 and over. Over 40% of people in their 40s admitted to delaying or skipping medical care due to financial worries, the most among all age groups. Mid-career workers, often balancing multiple responsibilities like caring for children and aging parents, are more likely to have higher costs associated with family healthcare coverage.
This "sandwich generation" demographic faces peak levels of obligation during their 40s. Many employees anticipate being worse off in retirement than their parents' generation, citing healthcare costs as a significant barrier to saving for retirement. A separate study by Prudential Financial found that over 60% of retirees with at least $500,000 in investable assets feel uncomfortable spending money on enjoyment, attributing this to inflation, rising living costs, and healthcare expenses.
Older Americans, particularly those 75 or older, have the highest median net worth, with a median net worth of $504,000 in 2025, according to Federal Reserve data. From 2022 to 2025, households headed by individuals aged 65-74 saw their wealth increase by 37%.
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