• The majority of Americans (86%) say recent economic conditions or policy changes are hurting them.
• More than half of Americans (57%) believe they have fewer opportunities today than a year ago as a result of economic conditions.
• One in three employed Americans (34%) think they are at risk of losing their job in the coming year due to the economy, company health, or technological changes.

Zest AI, a leader in lending technology, today released its America’s Economic Opportunity Gap Report, revealing that across tax brackets and political lines, Americans are struggling under the weight of current economic conditions and policy changes. The study of 1,000 adults across the United States showed that 86% of Americans believe recent economic conditions or policy changes are hurting them. To cope with these financial hardships, nearly three-quarters (74%) of Americans have abandoned at least one goal over the past few years, underscoring a growing economic opportunity gap that extends far beyond cost-of-living concerns.

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Strain Echoes Across Tax Brackets and Generations

Financial stress is hitting Americans across income levels and generations. Just over half (57%) of Americans earning less than $40K say they’ve abandoned a life goal because of the economy, along with 45% of individuals earning above that threshold. At the same time, Millennials and Gen Z are struggling to see a path forward, with many reporting that their financial aspirations feel out of reach.

• Recent conditions and policy changes are taking a toll, with 90% of lower-income households and 82% of higher earners ($100K+) reporting that recent conditions and policy changes are either already impacting them or will negatively impact them soon.
• Twenty-two percent of Gen Z report giving up on furthering their education due to financial pressures.
• The majority of Millennials (65%) and Gen Z (61%) say the gap between their current financial standing and their goals is impossible to close, compared to just 49% of Gen X and 31% of Boomers.

Economic Pressures Cut Across Political Lines

Financial strain is bipartisan, with nearly 9 in 10 Democrats (89%) and more than 8 in 10 Republicans (83%) saying recent economic conditions or policy changes have worsened their financial situation. While the pain points vary, the overall picture is one of shared economic anxiety.

• Tariffs stand out as a top concern for 53% of Democrats, compared to 33% of Republicans.
• Inflation hits both groups, with 65% of Democrats and 55% of Republicans citing it as a key challenge.
• Financial pessimism is widespread, with 59% of Democrats and 52% of Republicans feeling they have fewer opportunities today than they did a year ago.

Americans are Goal Ghosting to Focus on Survival

Faced with ongoing economic uncertainty, many Americans are abandoning long-term financial goals and shifting focus to short-term survival. More than one in three (36%) say they’ve given up on improving their credit or getting out of debt, and the vast majority (84%) admit the economy is reshaping their decision-making.

Furthermore, about one in five (19%) say they’ve put major life milestones, like marriage or having children, on hold, while 24% report that they’ve stopped making future plans due to financial uncertainty and economic conditions. The survey also found that Americans are taking drastic measures to make ends meet:

• 26% have borrowed from family or friends
• 23% are working second jobs or side hustles
• 20% have sold personal belongings
• 13% have dipped into retirement savings
• 13% have skipped medical care or prescriptions

"What we're seeing in our research reflects a broader economic reality–Americans are telling us that the rising costs of essentials like housing, healthcare, and food are simply outpacing their income growth,” said Mike de Vere, CEO of Zest AI. “This isn't a budgeting problem; it's a structural economic challenge that's making it genuinely harder for Mainstreet Americans to build financial stability. As one respondent put it, ‘the system feels stacked against everyday people.’"

The research report, with additional data and analysis, “America’s Economic Opportunity Gap,” can be found here.

Methodology

Zest AI conducted this study in partnership with Kelsey White and PureSpectrum. The online survey was completed by 1,000 adults across the United States, nationally representative to age, gender, income, and region. Data was collected from July 30 to August 3, 2025.

About Zest AI

Founded in 2009, Zest AI is a leader in financial technology with a mission to modernize lending and strengthen the financial system. The company is transforming the $17 trillion US consumer credit market by delivering AI technology that helps lenders identify creditworthy borrowers overlooked by legacy credit methods, while leveling the playing field for financial institutions of all sizes to harness AI. With over 600 custom AI models and 50+ issued and pending patents, Zest AI is providing financial institutions with a comprehensive suite of solutions spanning underwriting, fraud detection, lending intelligence, and more to make smarter lending decisions that power growth and profitability. The company has been named on Forbes 2024 Fintech 50 List and CNBC’s 2025 World’s Top FinTech Companies list in the Enterprise FinTech category. Learn more at Zest AI and connect on LinkedIn.

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