Most workers feel resilient, but few are ready for financial shocks

Key Insight: Discover how employer-led financial wellness can materially increase workforce resilience.
What's at Stake: Reduced preparedness could amplify productivity losses and retention risks for employers.
Supporting Data: Emergency savings ≥$2,000 linked to a 21% increase in financial well-being.
Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review

Most adults consider themselves resilient, according to a new survey, yet only 20% say they are highly prepared to recover from a financial setback.

The findings from MetLife's Confident Pathways Report underscore the importance of financial preparedness and strong support networks in navigating adversity. For employers, that creates an opportunity to reinforce resilience through financial wellness initiatives and benefits such as emergency savings accounts.

"This research reinforces something we've long believed at MetLife — confidence is built through access to opportunity, preparedness, and support systems and social connection," said Michael Roberts, chief marketing and communications officer at MetLife.

The survey found that 72% of adults regularly check their finances, 63% follow a budget, and 56% consistently save money. Less than half of respondents (42%) said they wish they had started saving regularly earlier in life.

Read more: The 1% difference that can boost your retirement savings

Additionally, adults who feel both financially prepared and resilient are 20 times more likely to feel confident they can recover from unexpected challenges.

The report also highlights the importance of positive early experiences in building confidence and resilience. More than half of adults who participated in sports as children say those experiences helped build confidence (56%) and persistence (52%). Parents overwhelmingly believe sports and tutoring and mentorship programs boost children's resilience and confidence, with team sports ranked highest at 65%, individual sports at 55%, and tutoring and mentorship programs at 51%.

Read more: Employers boost financial wellness efforts as worker stress rises

"Whether it's helping children build confidence through sports and education, supporting families as they strengthen their financial preparedness, or expanding access to the protection and resources people need to navigate life's key moments, we're focused on helping people move forward with confidence at every stage of life."

Meanwhile, social connection remains a challenge for many adults. Less than half feel supported by friends (41%) or a sense of belonging in their community (31%).

The findings are based on an online survey of 4,000 adults ages 18 and older across the United States, United Kingdom, Japan and Mexico.

The impact of emergency savings

One of the strongest predictors of financial resilience and well-being is having emergency savings. According to a 2025 study by Vanguard, those who have set aside at least $2,000 report a 21% increase in financial well-being, and having at least three to six months of expenses saved is linked to an additional 13% increase in financial well-being.

"People with emergency savings have a higher level of financial well-being, spend less time thinking about and dealing with their finances, and are less distracted at work," said Paulo Costa, senior behavioral economist at Vanguard who conducted the research with colleagues Malena de la Fuente and Marsella Martino.

Read more: Employees lean on emergency savings as gas costs keep rising

Survey respondents without emergency savings spend nearly twice as much time each week thinking about and managing their finances — 7.3 hours, compared with 3.7 hours for those with at least $2,000 set aside. They are also more likely to say their financial stress has increased over the past year, with 51% reporting higher stress levels compared with just 15% of those who have at least $2,000 in emergency savings.

The effects of not having emergency savings extend beyond employees' personal finances. Workers without emergency savings are four times more likely to be distracted at work because of financial stress, highlighting the broader impact on productivity. 

"Emergency savings buy peace of mind and provide a buffer in case anything goes wrong," de la Fuente said. "This is especially important because many families experience some sort of financial emergency about once a year. Having that buffer available lets them prepare for the unexpected and avoid the worry and financial stress that can come from not having this buffer."