What began as an alternative payment option, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services are increasingly a factor in purchasing decisions and financing: Nearly half of Americans (49%) say BNPL makes it easier to manage large or unexpected expenses, according to new Empower research.

Pumpkin season is here and some are asking for a price check: 44% of Americans say tariffs and inflation are making pumpkin flavored items cost more, and the "pumpkin spice tax" is real (39%), according to new Empower research. Still, more than half (54%) say they look forward to purchasing these specialties every fall.

Americans see multiple paths to wealth — with long-term investing (26%), career advancement (25%), and retirement contributions (24%) all ranking nearly equally, according to new Empower research. Nearly 30% feel optimistic about reaching financial milestones in their lifetimes.

1 in 3 Americans have no emergency savings fund and 29% say they can’t afford an unexpected expense over $400, according to new Empower research. The size of the safety net varies by generation, with Boomers saving a median of $2,000 – five times that of Gen Z’s reserves of $400.

From buying a first home to changing careers or retiring early, big life moments are often turning points. Yet while 83% of Americans say there’s no set age to achieve life milestones, nearly 1 in 2 (45%) admit they didn’t prepare financially as early as they should have, according to new Empower research.

American families head back to school facing rising prices. New Empower research shows half (50%) say back-to-school shopping is more expensive this year due to inflation and rising prices (57% Gen Z and 61% Millennials). 

Empower research reveals Americans are spending nearly 4 hours a day thinking about money. 

This year, American families are preparing for one of their largest annual expenses: school supplies. Surprisingly, this seasonal cost now rivals—and in some cases exceeds—essential household expenses such as monthly grocery bills or utility costs.

Among Americans with a credit card who do not pay their bills in full, over 2 in 5 (41%) have delayed or canceled major purchases due to financial strain or credit card debt, according to new Empower research. More than half (52%) agree that rising costs and inflation have made it harder to keep up with payments.

The majority of mortgage holders believe home prices (88%) and mortgage rates (82%) are too high, according to new Empower research. To stay locked into their lower rates, only about 1 in 5 are considering moving or selling their home. 

Empower’s new “Accelerating Access” research highlights a growing demand among Americans for more choice and broader access within their retirement savings options.

The latest data from the Federal Reserve and the Empower Personal DashboardTM paints a nuanced picture of American household wealth in 2025.