Mutual of Omaha Protection Index Survey Reveals Strong Desire for Financial Security

Professional Reviewer: Nate Hobson
Financial Advisor & Mutual of Omaha National Advisor Sales Director

Summary: Mutual of Omaha’s 2025 Protection Index Survey reveals people have a strong desire to protect their finances and their family, but many aren’t confident that they have the financial security to achieve those goals.

In an era marked by economic uncertainty and rising costs, a troubling trend is emerging across American households. Despite feeling a strong sense of responsibility to protect their families financially, consumers are increasingly losing confidence in their financial security.

The latest results from Mutual of Omaha’s Protection Index Survey — a proprietary research study conducted with quantilope — reveal a sobering truth: while most Americans recognize the importance of financial protection, many don’t feel adequately prepared for life’s uncertainties.

These insights point to a critical gap between awareness and action, underscoring the need to address both immediate financial challenges and long-term confidence. They also reinforce Mutual of Omaha’s ongoing commitment to delivering clear, approachable guidance that empowers Americans to better understand and protect what matters most to them.

“We know financial planning can get overwhelming, especially when we try to juggle today’s priorities with tomorrow’s goals,” said Jennifer Wulf, vice president, Consumer Insights and Marketing Strategy for Mutual of Omaha. “That belief is at the core of the Protection Index Report. We want to understand the minds of today’s American consumer, to meet them where they are and deliver advice and solutions that address their needs.”

The confidence gap widens

Only 23% of survey respondents report feeling “protection confident” — a slight drop from 24% in our November 2023 survey. More alarming is the rise in those feeling “protection threatened,” which jumped from 13% to 17% in the same period.

This erosion of confidence comes at a time when many Americans are feeling the need for increased financial security. Most Americans — led by baby boomers at 92% — feel it’s their duty to protect their family’s financial security. Yet only a third say they feel financially secure enough to weather setbacks.

“What we’re seeing across all generations is a strong desire to protect family and finances,” said Mutual of Omaha National Advisor Sales Director Nate Hobson. “But people are concerned they don’t have a financial plan or the assets to provide that protection, especially if they’re suddenly faced with an unexpected financial hardship.”

The vulnerability divide

The confidence crisis isn’t hitting all demographics equally.

Income creates the starkest divide. Those earning $100,000 or more report the highest confidence levels, while families making under $50,000 feel most vulnerable. This income-based confidence gap reflects the reality that financial protection often requires financial resources many families simply don’t have.

Family structure matters significantly. Couples, with or without children, report the highest confidence levels. Single parents, however, face the opposite reality, reporting the lowest confidence of any group.

Gender disparities persist. Women feel less financially confident than men when it comes to both current circumstances and future preparedness.

Generational perspectives: optimism vs. experience

When it comes to attitudes about financial protection, a generational breakdown reveals conflicting views.

Baby boomers report feeling both the most confident and the most threatened — a seemingly contradictory position that reflects their life stage. Having accumulated more assets, they’re better positioned to weather financial storms but are also more aware of potential threats. Their strong sense of responsibility (92% feel obligated to protect family finances) likely comes from decades of supporting others.

Generation Z presents a paradox. They’re the least confident generation but report feeling the least threatened by their financial situation. This may reflect youthful optimism combined with fewer immediate financial obligations. At ages 18-26, most haven’t yet taken on mortgages, had children or accumulated significant assets to protect.

“We found Gen Z’s optimism stands in stark contrast to other generations. While we can speculate whether it’s the promise of long careers ahead of them or the anticipation of the Great Wealth Transfer, one thing is certain, their confidence is real. And, that’s encouraging,” said Hobson.

The protection reality check

The research reveals a critical disconnect between aspirations and reality. When asked about specific financial protection scenarios, respondents revealed clear gaps in their beliefs.

Sixty percent say they want to believe they could avoid a financial crisis if they became seriously ill or injured. However, less than half (49%) actually believe they have the financial security to do it. This 11-point gap may reflect a sense of false security or vulnerability that many Americans are feeling today.

The path forward

While the confidence crisis is real, Hobson believes it’s not insurmountable.

“By understanding the trends, acknowledging the gaps, and taking the right actions, such as mitigating financial risk, budgeting and working with a financial advisor — even if you don’t have much money to invest — to build a financial plan that fits their needs, families can work toward the financial security they both deserve and desire,” he said.

The Mutual of Omaha Protection Index reveals both challenges and opportunities. While confidence may be slipping, the strong sense of responsibility most Americans feel toward family financial security provides a foundation for positive change.

So, what can you do?

These are just a few of the important findings we uncovered in this survey. For even more insights and to learn how Mutual of Omaha can help you protect what matters most, including your financial security during life’s transitions, download the full Protection Index report here: 2025 Mutual of Omaha Protection Index Report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why is financial security important?

When you’re financially secure, you’re prepared to weather the unexpected challenges that life may throw at you. Financial security helps empower you and may protect you and your family from hardship, help improve your overall mental health and help you achieve your long-term goals. ¹

Q2: How does financial security impact mental health?

Americans are feeling stress at record levels today. In one American Psychological Association survey, two thirds (66%) said money was a significant source of stress. Another survey revealed 40% of Americans say they have moderate or high stress due to their finances. And people with lower incomes are one and a half to three times as likely to suffer mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.²

Footnotes:

¹Finseca, Financial Security Defined, accessed July 2025, finseca.org/about/financial-security-defined/

²Financial Health Network, Understanding The Mental-Financial Health Connection, Oct. 10, 2023, accessed July 2025, finhealthnetwork.org/research/understanding-the-mental-financial-health-connection.

Professionally Reviewed by Nate Hobson

Financial Advisor & Mutual of Omaha National Advisor Sales Director

Nate Hobson leads a team of Financial Advisors as Mutual of Omaha’s National Sales Director, Advisor Network. He is passionate about helping individuals and families make confident financial decisions that can help lead to lasting peace of mind.

*About this survey: For this publication, Mutual of Omaha worked with research vendor, quantilope to conduct The Protection Index survey. This research had a sample size of 400 respondents aged 18-77. Research was conducted in a 10-minute online survey from May 15-19, 2025. All data included in this report are based on Mutual of Omaha proprietary research unless otherwise noted.

Disclosures: 

Registered Representatives offer securities through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representatives offer advisory services through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc.

Mutual of Omaha and its representatives do not provide tax and/or legal advice, and the information provided herein is general in nature and should not be considered tax and/or legal advice.

Not all Mutual of Omaha agents are registered representatives or financial advisors.

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