As Financial Resilience Gap Widens For Gen Z, NCL Calls For Action

/in Press release/by

Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is calling for the Trump administration to address a widening generational gap in consumer financial resilience, as highlighted by the July 2026 Financial Resilience Index (FRI). Consumers are struggling to keep up with the cost of groceries, medical bills, gas, and other household expenses. Gas prices have risen by an average of 81 cents per gallon compared to this time last year. Grocery prices have risen by 33% since 2019, the highest jump in over half a century, while over 100 million Americans are facing some form of medical debt. As a result, only 61% of Gen Zers reported feeling in control of their day-to-day finances, 28 points lower than their Baby Boomer counterparts.

“The next generation of consumers is more vulnerable than ever to economic shocks,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “This Administration has a responsibility to enact policies that protect Americans’ financial stability—which includes considering Americans’ financial needs when making domestic and foreign policy decisions.”

While the FRI rose 1.5 points from June to July (61.6 to 63.1), NerdWallet cautioned that the statistics do not reflect consumer financial stability after the ceasefire in Iran collapsed, which has driven up gas prices, the impact of high tariffs, is renewing concerns about the stability of the US economy.

As prices rise and fears of recession grow, NCL remains committed to protecting and promoting consumer interests. NCL urges federal lawmakers to keep household financial pressures top of mind and enact policies to improve the long-term financial security of all Americans.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.