Despite reporting lowered confidence levels, Americans are motivated to get their finances on track.
A study by Corebridge Financial found that 40% of Americans report feeling “extremely or very confident” in their ability to make and execute financial decisions, yet 85% say they’re motivated to “make positive financial changes” In 2026.
“Financial literacy is one of the most effective tools people have to improve their financial lives,” said Terri Fiedler, President of Retirement Services at Corebridge Financial. “When people understand their finances, they’re better equipped to take positive steps—whether that’s saving more or planning earlier for retirement. Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence fuels action.”
Among the items participants want to check off include increasing personal savings, reducing debt, and creating a budget. When asked about the top skills they want to improve, 31% listed managing debt while 30% said planning and saving for retirement, with Gen Xers especially prioritizing retirement planning.
Workers who are offered retirement planning tools through their employer take advantage of the features, with respondents to the survey ranking professional guidance and online planning tools as the financial resources they value the most.
Despite their value in the tools, some workers seek financial education and assistance from emerging technologies like ChatGPT, other artificial intelligence (AI) tools, or social media. Over half (52%) of Gen Zers surveyed said they learn about money through social media, compared to 27% of the general populations. Further, 25% of Gen Zers use AI for financial planning.
Rather than solely utilizing AI technology, employees who also work with a financial professional find the guidance helps shape their priorities and financial interests. Those who worked with an advisor tended to describe themselves as “financially savvy,” and were most interested in guidance on investing (43%) and tax-efficiencies (43%). Workers without professional support said they would most value guidance on retirement planning (48%) and financial goal setting (45%).
“It’s essential to use trusted and proven sources that provide credible information and help you overcome inertia, uncertainty, and choice overload,” said Fiedler. “That’s where a financial professional can play such an important role helping translate complexity into clear priorities and next steps.”