Americans report rising sense of prosperity despite economic unease: Northwestern Mutual

Americans are feeling better about their personal prosperity even as confidence in the economy, financial markets, and politics weakens, according to new research from Northwestern Mutual.

The company’s inaugural Personal Prosperity Index, developed with Ipsos, found Americans gave themselves an average prosperity score of 68 out of 100. Nearly three quarters of respondents, or 73%, said they currently feel prosperous, while more than eight in 10 said their sense of prosperity had either improved or remained unchanged over the past six months.

The findings suggest consumers are separating their personal well-being from broader economic and political concerns. Respondents said factors such as mental health, physical health, relationships, and household finances play a larger role in shaping their sense of prosperity than the national economy or investment markets.

Survey participants identified household income and household finances as the strongest contributors to prosperity, each cited by 36% of respondents. Relationships with loved ones followed at 35%, while emotional health and physical health were selected by 31% and 30%, respectively.

By comparison, fewer respondents pointed to macroeconomic and political factors. The political climate was cited by 27%, followed by the national economy at 25%, the cost of necessities at 24%, healthcare costs at 22%, and investment markets at 16%.

"Our prosperity is about more than money,'" said Northwestern Mutual Chairman, President, and CEO Tim Gerend. "It's the health of our mind, body, and personal finances that define our feelings of prosperity the most. The good news is that people have greater autonomy over these parts of their lives. In a world where so many things feel like they are out of our control, personal prosperity is something Americans can influence – if they act intentionally."

The research also found Americans were more likely to say their prosperity had improved rather than worsened over the previous six months. Twenty-eight percent reported improvement, compared with 18% who said their prosperity declined. Another 53% said there had been no change.

Respondents credited better personal habits and relationships for the gains. About 39% pointed to healthier lifestyles and self-care, including exercise, sleep, and nutrition, while 44% reported stronger social connections. Another 37% said they experienced a renewed sense of purpose or achievement.

Financial planning

Northwestern Mutual also found a connection between financial planning and higher prosperity scores. People who worked with a financial advisor scored an average of 74 on the index, compared with 66 among those without an advisor. Those who combined advisor relationships with investments, insurance coverage, and a professional financial plan scored even higher at 76.

The prosperity gap was especially pronounced among lower-scoring respondents; those individuals with the weakest prosperity scores often faced simultaneous financial, income, and health challenges. Roughly one in five in that group reported having no investable assets, while the same proportion said they lacked enough money to cover basic living expenses.

"We are excited that the Index is starting to give us a glimpse into what it really takes for people to thrive," said Jeff Sippel, Northwestern Mutual's chief strategy officer. "While it is early, the Personal Prosperity Index shows that taking steps like having a financial plan and working with an advisor can make Americans feel more prosperous."

The survey polled 2,545 US adults between March 18 and March 22, 2026. The firmplans to release its new index twice a year.