NerdWallet August Financial Resilience Index slips to 62.1 as recession fears rise to 64%

• NerdWallet’s August 2026 Financial Resilience Index slipped to 62.1 from July’s record 63.1 as recession expectations rose.
• Recession outlook increased to 64% from 60%, despite 79% expecting to pay all bills on time this month.
• Reliance on credit climbed to 36% from 33%, pointing to tighter household cash-flow management.
• Cash buffers improved, with 67% able to cover a $1,000 surprise expense, up from 65%.
• Generational split widened: baby boomers scored 72.5; Gen Z scored 53.8, with 72% expecting a recession.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Nerdwallet Inc. published the original content used to generate this news brief via Business Wire (Ref. ID: 202608180900BIZWIRE_USPR_____20260818_BW006705) on August 18, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.