Navigation skipped

BMO Real Financial Progress Index

We’re here to help consumers make real financial progress. Each quarter, the BMO Real Financial Progress Index provides insight into how Americans are feeling about their financial progress, what they spend money on, sources of financial worry, what’s preventing them from reaching their financial goals, and more.

Real Financial Progress statistics

Learn how Americans like you are managing their personal finances.

Making Changes

69% of Americans are making budget changes due to recession concerns.

Desire to learn

77% of Americans wish they had greater financial literacy pertaining to core financial topics.

Reaching out for financial education

7 in 10 (72 percent) Americans said they have taken measures as an adult to improve their financial literacy.

Ready for retirement?

53% of women report feeling confident to retire at their target age compared to 66% of men.

Deferring homebuying for 2024

32% of Americans looking to buy a home say they plan to enter the market in 2024 or later if mortgage rates decline.

Planning for the year ahead

39% of Americans set annual budgets for their households.

August 2023
Get more insights from the BMO Financial Progress Index from August 2023
June 2023
Get more insights from the BMO Financial Progress Index from June 2023

Real Financial Progress statistics

Learn how Americans like you are managing their personal finances.

46% feel they’re making real financial progress.

Boost your Financial Literacy Skills

44% of Americans are saving for vacation.

Earn Rewards to Help Get Yours

51% often spend more than they know they should.

Creating a Budget

58% prioritize saving for retirement.

Retirement Planning

96% of Americans say financial responsibility is ‘attractive’

Help manage your finances with BMO Total Look

46% cite fear of unknown expenses as a top source of financial anxiety.

Building Emergency Savings

We do this all the time!

Since 2018, BMO has provided relevant insights and helpful tips to navigate your financial progress.
Love and Money
Get more insights from the BMO Financial Progress Index from February 2025
LEARN MORE
Resolution: Spend Less
Get more insights from the BMO Financial Progress Index from December 2025
LEARN MORE

What are your financial goals?

Spend: build better habits

I want to understand how to spend my money in a way that helps me achieve financial stability.

Save: create financial stability

I want to save more money for unexpected costs and my next big purchase.

Plan: prepare for the future

I want to be financial prepared for life’s big moments from buying a home to retirement.

Borrow: build better credit

I want to understand the impact of credit & loans and how they might help me achieve my financial goals.

Financial Progress Hub

Identify your goals and learn more about making real financial progress.

Spend: build better habits

I want to understand how to spend my money in a way that helps me achieve financial stability.

Save: create financial stability

I want to save more money for unexpected costs and my next big purchase.

Plan: prepare for the future

I want to be financial prepared for life’s big moments from buying a home to retirement.

Borrow: build better credit

I want to understand the impact of credit & loans and how they might help me achieve my financial goals.

Financial Progress Hub

Identify your goals and learn more about making real financial progress.