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New Data Shows Washington-Area Adults Are Playing Financial Defense Amid Economic Uncertainty
Northwestern Mutual study finds nearly half of D.C.-area adults have become more financially risk-averse over the past year
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 1, 2026 – In a region where economic headlines, federal policy decisions and household cost pressures can quickly become kitchen-table issues, many Washington-area adults are taking a more cautious approach to financial decision-making.
According to new local findings from Northwestern Mutual’s 2026 Planning & Progress Study, 49% of D.C.-area adults say they have become more risk-averse financially over the last 12 months, compared with 43% nationally. Over the last three years, 47% say they have become more risk-averse, compared with 41% nationally.
| Finding | D.C. | U.S. |
| More risk-averse, past 12 months | 49% | 43% |
| More risk-averse, past three years | 47% | 41% |
| Prefer reducing risk to protect savings/investments | 72% | 71% |
| Cautious strategists on emerging investment trends | 42% | 40% |
| Uncertainty brings anxiety | 53% | 50% |
"Washington-area residents are no strangers to uncertainty. Between cost-of-living pressure, shifting economic headlines and the complexity of planning in a policy-driven region, many people are looking for ways to protect what they have while still making thoughtful progress," said Leo Tucker, Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual in Washington.
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The study also found that 72% of D.C.-area adults prioritize reducing risk to protect savings and investments, while 42% identify as cautious strategists who explore trends through research, planning and small, calculated investments.
"Confidence does not come from predicting every headline," Tucker said. "It comes from having a plan that clarifies which risks are worth taking, which are worth reducing and how to stay focused when uncertainty is high."
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For Washington outlets, the findings offer a timely local story about how residents are weighing financial risk, career decisions and household stability in an economy shaped by policy shifts, federal employment, housing affordability and cost-of-living pressures.
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About the 2026 Northwestern Mutual Planning & Progress Study
The 2026 Planning & Progress Study was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Northwestern Mutual among 4,375 U.S. adults age 18 or older. The survey was conducted online between Jan. 5 and Jan. 21, 2026. Data were weighted where necessary by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, marital status, household size, household income and propensity to be online to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population.
About Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With more than $780 billion of total assets1 managed across the company's institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $40 billion in revenues, and $2.5 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life insurance, disability income insurance, long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 109 on the 2026 FORTUNE 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2026.
Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with "Advisor" in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services.
1 Includes investments and separate account assets of Northwestern Mutual as well as retail investment assets held or managed for clients.
