TruStage Study Reveals Shifting American Dream, Financial Anxiety Among Neurodivergent Consumers
Event summary
- TruStage's 2026 'What Matters Now' study surveyed 8,813 U.S. consumers, revealing a fractured American Dream across generations, races, and identities.
- 35% of respondents prioritize retirement savings, while 34% focus on being debt-free and providing for family.
- Neurodivergent consumers (21% of respondents) report higher financial anxiety despite similar incomes and higher employment rates.
- 46% of Americans believe salary alone isn't enough, up from 39% in 2022, with stronger sentiment among Black consumers (58%) and women (50%).
- Credit unions lead in satisfaction (77%), but fintech and money movement platforms are gaining ground, especially with younger and diverse consumers.
The big picture
The study highlights a significant shift in the American Dream, driven by financial instability and the rising cost of living. This trend is compounded by the growing influence of fintech platforms, which are reshaping consumer trust and satisfaction in the financial services industry. The data underscores the need for financial service providers to offer more tailored, affordable, and empathetic solutions to a diverse range of consumers.
What we're watching
- Financial Inclusion
- How financial service providers will adapt to meet the diverse and evolving needs of underserved communities, particularly neurodivergent and BIPOC consumers.
- Fintech Disruption
- The pace at which fintech and money movement platforms will continue to gain market share, especially among younger and more diverse consumer segments.
- Consumer Trust
- Whether traditional financial institutions can close the satisfaction and trust gap with alternative financial platforms.
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