Concerns over personal finances have reached parity with health anxieties as the primary worry for households across the globe, a new report reveals. The “Allianz 3am Report 2026,” based on surveys in ten countries, highlights that financial pressures and health issues are now equally cited as top concerns, each by 48% of respondents, significantly outstripping other worries by an average of 13 percentage points.
The study underscores the profound impact of the rising cost of living, with financial concerns increasing in seven out of the eight countries surveyed year-on-year. In the UK, alongside France, Germany, and Brazil, financial worries have climbed in the ranking of top three concerns. Specific anxieties driving this trend include the rising cost of living (71%) and insufficient income (51%), indicating a widespread struggle to maintain financial stability.
While financial stress escalates, health remains a critical global concern. Personal physical health is the highest health-related worry at 48%, followed by the health of family members (45%) and access to medical treatment (42%). Notably, mental health and stress are emerging as the fastest-growing issues, rising by 5 and 4 percentage points respectively since 2025. This surge may reflect the broader strain of economic uncertainty and its direct impact on individual well-being.
The report paints a picture of a financially fragile global population. Only a small minority (5%) describe themselves as truly financially secure, able to save and invest significantly. A substantial proportion are “managing,” while nearly one in three are struggling to make ends meet. This precarious situation leads to defensive financial behaviours, with 34% reducing non-essential spending and 22% focusing savings on essential future needs. Essential expenses such as food (77%) and housing (49%) dominate household budgets worldwide.
Saving remains a significant challenge for many, with nearly one in three individuals unable to save regularly, making them vulnerable to unexpected expenses. Across Europe and the UK, approximately one-third (34%) of people manage to save 10% or more of their income. This difficulty in building financial resilience is further compounded by a perceived lack of financial knowledge, which Allianz aims to address through initiatives like its new “Allianz School For Life” platform.
Bernd Heinemann, Head of Group Strategy, Marketing, and Distribution at Allianz SE, commented that these top worries increasingly reflect a search for stability in a changing world. He noted that as more household budgets are directed towards essentials, many find it harder to save, plan ahead, and feel in control of their future.
Source: The Allianz 3am Report 2026