Many Americans are finding it harder to build a financial safety net, and new survey results show just how difficult saving has become for millions of households.

According to a survey from U.S. News & World Report, roughly 1 in 3 Americans say they don’t have enough savings to cover a full month of living expenses. The survey also found that 43% of respondents would struggle to pay for a $1,000 emergency without using another source of money.

For many families, the challenge isn’t a lack of effort, it’s that everyday costs continue to take up more of their income, leaving little room to save.

Why Are Americans Having Trouble Saving Money?

One of the biggest reasons people are struggling to save is the rising cost of everyday expenses. Housing, groceries, transportation, and other bills have placed more pressure on household budgets, making it harder for many people to set aside money each month.

Debt is another major factor. Student loan borrowers, in particular, are worried about changes that could increase their monthly payments and make saving even more difficult.

For some households, savings are being used before another emergency even happens. The survey found that nearly one-quarter of respondents had taken money from their emergency funds to pay for holiday expenses, showing how quickly those savings can disappear when budgets are stretched.

Emergency Savings Are Falling Behind

Having some money saved is helpful, but the amount many Americans have set aside appears to be shrinking.

The survey found that the median emergency fund balance has fallen to around $5,000, which is about half of the amount reported the previous year. At the same time, many people said they would feel more comfortable with about $10,000 saved for unexpected costs.

Financial experts often suggest keeping three to six months of expenses in an emergency fund. For many Americans, reaching that level remains difficult as income struggles to keep pace with expenses.

Who Is Struggling the Most?

The survey also shows that financial challenges are not affecting everyone equally.

Women reported having more difficulty building emergency savings, with nearly half saying they do not have an emergency fund. Lower incomes were one of the biggest reasons many respondents said saving money was difficult.

Younger adults showed some positive movement, with more people under age 44 reporting that they are working toward building emergency savings compared with previous years. While many still face financial challenges, the data suggests more younger Americans are focusing on preparing for unexpected expenses.

What Happens Without Emergency Savings?

Without savings to fall back on, even a small unexpected expense can create major problems. A car repair, medical bill, home repair, or sudden job loss can quickly lead to credit card debt or other financial stress.

When there is little money left after covering basic needs, saving can feel nearly impossible. Many households are forced to choose between handling immediate expenses and preparing for future ones.

Still, the survey shows that many Americans are trying to improve their financial situation. A large number of respondents said saving money and reducing debt are among their top financial goals.

A Growing Gap Between Goals and Reality

Saving for emergencies has long been considered an important part of financial planning, but many Americans are struggling to reach that point. The difference between what people hope to have saved and what they actually have continues to grow.

For millions of households, the issue is not simply about spending habits, it reflects broader challenges involving income, rising costs, and financial stability.

The survey highlights a difficult reality: many Americans are working toward financial security, but for a large number of people, even one unexpected expense could create a serious setback.