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Money Management

Americans Are Confident They Can Achieve Their Financial Goals, But High Costs and Poor Credit Create Obstacles for Many

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WSFS Contributor
3 min read
January 15, 2026
A trophy with a dollar sign on it.

Nearly three-quarters of Americans (72%) feel confident they will achieve their financial goals, according to a new WSFS Bank survey. However, two-in-five (39%) said they’re not confident they can keep pace with inflation’s impact on goods and services, and nearly a quarter (24%) say having poor credit prevents them from using financial products and services, underscoring the challenges consumers currently face when managing their money.

The study, which surveyed 1,500 consumers nationally and 1,750 in the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware region, gauged the financial goals, confidence and access of those 18 years and older.

Check out the infographic below to learn more about the study’s key findings.

An infographic that says, “Americans are confident they can achieve their financial goals, but high costs and poor credit create obstacles for many.”

An infographic that says, “WSFS Bank surveyed 3,250 Americans about their financial confidence and found that: 72% of national respondents feel confident they will achieve their financial goals, compared to 67% of regional respondents. Financial Goals: 49% of national respondents cited the need to build emergency funds for themselves and their families. 54% of regional respondents cited the same goal. But only about one-quarter total said they were confident they would be able to do so. Financial Access and Confidence: 83% feel financial products from traditional financial institutions are accessible to them. 32% cite high costs and fees and…24% cite poor credit as the reason they may not be using financial products and services from traditional financial institutions. While most (82%) said they were confident managing their money in general, 29% have trouble understanding the financial products available to them. Personalized Advice and Services: top sources for information on money management skills: parents/guardians (48%); banks/financial service providers (32%). About one-third of those surveyed believe that more free financial advice and tailored banking products and services can help them reach their goals. The study was conducted by research company Opinium. The sample includes 1,500 national respondents and 1,750 in the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware region from March 7-19, 2022, with a combined regional and national margin of error of +/- 2.5 percent.”

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By
WSFS Contributor

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