A recent Bankrate Financial Freedom Survey reveals that 77% of Americans do not feel completely financially secure, marking an increase from 72% in 2023 and 75% in 2024. Nearly half of U.S. adults (45%) believe they need to earn $100,000 or more annually to feel financially secure or comfortable, while about 26% say a salary of $150,000 or more is necessary. Additionally, 8% of respondents indicated they would require $500,000 or more to achieve financial security. The survey also highlights generational differences: Gen X (ages 45-60) is the most likely group to feel financially insecure at 84%, followed by Gen Z (80%), millennials (79%), and baby boomers (69%). Millennials report needing $847,000 to feel financially comfortable. Employers are also noting the financial stress among workers, with 78% acknowledging it. These findings underscore growing concerns about financial stability amid easing inflation and changing workforce demographics, with Gen Z expected to constitute a third of the U.S. workforce by 2030, influencing workplace values and definitions.