NEARLY seven in 10 middle-class Filipinos are financially anxious, with many struggling to save while coping with rising household costs, according to life and health insurance firm FWD Philippines’ Filipino Financial Confidence Report 2026.
Only 32 percent of respondents consider themselves financially confident, while 68 percent admit persistent financial anxiety, the study showed. It described the condition as a long-term, rather than a temporary, response to economic disruption, as families juggle rising prices alongside multi-generational financial responsibilities.
Rising living costs were cited as the biggest financial challenge by 74 percent of respondents, making inflation the top source of pressure.
Another 52 percent cited medical emergencies and healthcare costs, while 34 percent worried about outliving their retirement savings.
Because daily expenses demand immediate cash, long-term priorities such as saving, investing and buying insurance are often pushed aside, the report said.
Despite these pressures, respondents remain focused on stability rather than wealth accumulation. More than half (56 percent) said their main goal over the next two to three years is securing long-term financial security for their families, while 52 percent aim to build an emergency fund, 45 percent want financial independence, and another 45 percent hope to fully fund their children’s education.
FWD Philippines president and CEO Soon Liang Lau said resilience alone is no longer enough, noting that true financial confidence means not being “one medical bill or one job loss away from losing everything.”
The report also broke down concerns by generation. Among Gen X who are nearing retirement, 65 percent worry inflation will erode their savings and 57 percent fear healthcare costs could deplete retirement funds; and 82 percent said they lack sufficient savings for major medical expenses.
For Millennials, 91 percent support their parents financially while raising an average of two children. More than half (53 percent) struggle to build emergency funds, 61 percent worry about retirement savings, and 73 percent prioritize family needs over their own financial security when they receive extra income.
Among Gen Z, 64 percent cited rising living costs as a major concern and 62 percent reported work-related stress or burnout, though 39 percent remain optimistic about their long-term prospects. Half (51 percent) said traditional insurance remains too expensive, and 20 percent found financial products too complicated.
FWD said the findings highlight the need for greater financial preparedness across age groups, stressing that confidence comes not from income alone, but from deliberate planning, protection and long-term savings.
