How Americans are taking control of their finances in today’s economy

The current economy is changing how Americans manage their money, according to new research.

A recent survey of 2,000 general population Americans revealed that eight in 10 (77%) have changed the way they manage their finances as a result of ongoing economic conditions.

With the majority (86%) feeling that the economy remains uncertain — and six in 10 (58%) believing a recession is inevitable — people are doubling down on predictability, stability and long-term control when it comes to their spending.

Commissioned by Affirm (https://www.affirm.com) and conducted by Talker Research, results found that half (50%) want to keep cash available for unexpected expenses or financial uncertainty, two in five (41%) want to manage their budget with fixed, predictable payments, and over a third (36%) are thinking more long-term than ever about their finances.

This is unsurprising, given the average respondent predicts today’s financial uncertainty will last for 10 more months.

In response to these challenges, two in five (39%) are prioritizing strategies like avoiding credit card interest or fees. Americans are also taking active steps to strengthen their financial know-how.

More than one in four (28%) are improving their financial literacy, nearly one in four (23%) are exploring how to make different payment options work for them and about one in five (19%) are seeking more value from their financial providers to stay ahead in today’s climate.

Additionally, most respondents (83%) are focused on what they can control with their finances.

“Control means prioritizing predictability,” said Vishal Kapoor, Affirm’s SVP of Product. “That’s why nearly half of consumers (49%) named ‘no surprise fees’ as their top priority when making purchases this year. Affirm is built to support this need — with transparent terms and no late or hidden fees, we help people spend smarter and plan with confidence.”

In addition to “no surprise fees,” just over two in five respondents (41%) pointed to interest-free offers, and roughly one in three (35%) valued the ability to spread payments out over time — further underscoring their long-term mindset.

Over a quarter (27%) highlighted the need for clear timelines for when payments are due, while two in five (41%) emphasized a need to manage their budget with fixed, predictable payments.

All of these priorities tie back to what respondents find important when managing their money in the current economic climate — control, predictability and total clarity when managing their money.

“Consumers clearly want more from their financial tools. They want payment solutions that help them manage their budgets, avoid surprises and stay financially resilient,” Kapoor added. “That’s exactly what we were built for. From options like 0% APR offers to predictable monthly payments, we’re giving people greater flexibility and peace of mind as they plan for the future.”