Only two-thirds of U.S. households managed to pay all bills on time, new survey shows

According to a September survey by the nonprofit Financial Health Network, only two-thirds of U.S. households paid all their bills on time during the last year, marking a modest but broad decline in financial health since spring 2025. The report notes that more families are financially vulnerable, struggling to save, cover expenses, and repay debts. Vulnerability rose from 15% to 17% overall, with student-loan borrowers seeing a six-point jump to 27%.

A parallel 2026 Self Financial survey found that 89% of Americans have been living paycheck-to-paycheck, and a third report no money left after covering necessities. Rising costs, driven by higher fuel prices, tariffs and other economic pressures, have contributed to the strain, while inflation peaked at a four-year high before easing to 3.4% and consumer sentiment fell for a second month. The Federal Reserve’s recent 0.25% rate hike is expected to further increase borrowing costs for mortgages and auto loans.