New Healthcare Affordability Pulse Reveals Generational Divide in Financial Preparedness and Workplace stressDRAPER, Utah, Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As healthcare costs continue to strain American families, HealthEquity (NASDAQ: HQY), the nation's largest health savings account (HSA) custodian by number of accounts*, today released its inaugural Healthcare Affordability Pulse survey results, revealing a striking generational paradox: younger Americans are leading in HSA adoption and benefits engagem ...

A new report by Northwestern Mutual found that more than half of Gen Xers don’t feel like they will be financially prepared to retire. This generation has had its fair share of unique financial challenges. https://t.co/PWyKJG9DxO ...

Economic Overview - The U.S. economy experienced a job loss of 13,000 in June, marking the first decline in nearly four years, with unemployment rising to 4.3%, the highest level since 2021 [1] Financial Preparedness - Financial preparedness is increasingly important due to job security concerns, and individuals are encouraged to take proactive steps to manage their finances during challenging job market conditions [2] Emergency Fund - Establishing an emergency fund while still employed is crucial; automating transfers from paychecks to savings accounts can facilitate consistent savings without requiring constant attention [3] Financial Cushion - Having a financial reserve, even a few hundred dollars, can significantly impact the ability to pay bills on time and avoid reliance on credit cards; building a strong financial cushion requires consistency and starting early [4] Unemployment Benefits - It is essential to apply for unemployment benefits immediately upon job loss, as even a modest income can help cover essential expenses and provide time to regroup [5] Communication with Creditors - Contacting creditors before missing payments is vital; many offer loan relief programs that can help avoid default, and these options are most effective when initiated early [6] Budget Adjustment - After losing a job, individuals should create a clear budget to understand necessary expenses and how long resources will last; cutting back on nonessential spending can free up cash for necessities [7] Borrowing Strategies - When borrowing is necessary during unemployment, it is advisable to explore lower-risk options such as home equity lines of credit or refinancing before considering retirement account withdrawals, which can incur penalties [8]