Only 32 percent of middle-class Filipinos consider themselves financially confident, according to the newly released Filipino Financial Confidence Report 2026 by FWD Life Insurance Philippines (FWD Philippines).
Conducted nationwide by Ipsos, the study highlights a significant gap between the resilience Filipinos are known for and their confidence in achieving long-term financial security. While many Filipinos continue to endure economic challenges through resilience and “diskarte,” 68 percent still experience persistent financial anxiety.
What does it mean to be financially confident?
The report defines financial confidence as trust in one’s ability to manage money, make sound financial decisions, and continue progressing toward long-term goals.
Unlike resilience, which helps people endure difficult situations, financial confidence means having enough preparation and protection to recover from setbacks without losing years of financial progress.
The study identified three major concerns driving financial stress among Filipino households.
Around 74 percent of respondents said the rising cost of everyday goods and services is directly affecting their monthly budgets. Meanwhile, 52 percent worry about the financial impact of unexpected medical expenses, while 34 percent are concerned about not having enough savings for retirement.
“Filipinos have long been known for their resilience and diskarte. These qualities help people endure challenges and keep moving forward,” said Soon Liang Lau, President and CEO of FWD Philippines.
“Financial confidence is knowing that when setbacks happen, you have the preparation and protection in place to recover without losing the progress you’ve worked hard to build,” he added.
Financial concerns vary across generations
The report also examined how financial confidence differs across various life stages and generations.
For Gen X Filipinos born between 1965 and 1980, retirement and healthcare remain major concerns. About 82 percent lack sufficient funds to cover major medical expenses, while 71 percent worry about outliving their savings.
Among Gen Y Filipinos born from 1981 to 1995, the report identified several distinct financial situations.
Members of the “sandwich generation” face the challenge of supporting both their parents and children. The study found that 91 percent provide financial support to their parents while raising an average of two children.
Meanwhile, “solo navigators,” or individuals who are single by choice, value financial independence but remain vulnerable to future emergencies. Around 70 percent want protection against health and medical emergencies, yet only 40 percent currently have coverage.
The report also highlighted “chosen families,” including LGBTQIA+ partnerships and long-term cohabiting couples. For this group, financial confidence involves protecting loved ones and creating long-term security for the households they have chosen to build.
For Gen Z Filipinos born between 1996 and 2010, financial optimism is often accompanied by anxiety about present-day pressures. Around 64 percent are affected by rising everyday living costs, while 62 percent experience persistent work stress, anxiety, or burnout.
Building financial confidence among Filipinos
The Filipino Financial Confidence Report 2026 forms part of FWD Philippines’ broader efforts to promote financial literacy and inclusion in the country.
Through insurance education, consumer research, and financial products focused on protection, savings, investment, and retirement preparation, FWD Philippines aims to help more Filipinos protect their financial progress and prepare for future challenges.
The findings underscore the growing importance of financial preparedness as Filipino households navigate rising costs, healthcare expenses, and retirement concerns.
By strengthening financial knowledge and planning early, Filipinos may be better positioned to recover from unexpected setbacks while continuing to pursue their long-term goals.
