Hoosiers Expect to Achieve Financial Independence at age 37

More than 1 in 5 Indianapolis residents do not expect to become financially independent… ever

INDIANAPOLIS, June 3, 2026 – As the country approaches its 250th anniversary of independence, the climb to financial freedom is top of mind for those across the Indianapolis area. While the average American expects to achieve financial independence by age 37, residents in Indianapolis anticipate reaching this milestone at the exact same age.

Notably, more than one in five adults (22%) in Indianapolis believes they will never achieve financial independence.

According to the latest findings from Northwestern Mutual’s 2026 Planning & Progress Study, Indianapolis residents are more likely than the national average to lack financial independence. Currently, 37% of Indianapolis residents do not consider themselves financially independent, compared to 28% nationally.

Niki Glen, Wealth Management Advisor, Northwestern Mutual: “The path to financial independence looks different for everyone, and while Indianapolis residents expect to reach this milestone around the same time as the rest of the country, many still feel they are falling behind. We are here to reassure you that with the right guidance and a personalized plan, your financial goals are entirely within reach."

A Steeper Climb in Indianapolis

The study reveals growing concern about the path to financial independence. In Indianapolis, 60% of residents say it is harder to achieve financial independence today than it was for previous generations, above the national average of 56%.

Furthermore:

• Confidence is lagging: Only 51% of Indianapolis residents who are not yet financially independent are confident they will achieve it someday, compared to 56% nationally.
• Giving up hope: Among all Indianapolis residents, 22% expect they will never become financially independent, compared to 20% of all U.S. adults.

Said Glen: “Building wealth is a marathon, not a sprint. By partnering with a professional who understands your unique needs, you can take prescriptive, confident steps toward a secure and independent financial future."

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 2025 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.