Americans Hold Back on Major Purchases Amid Job Security Concerns

A growing sense of uncertainty about job stability is leading many Americans to hit the brakes on major purchases, such as homes and vehicles. According to a recent Redfin study, more than two in five workers 44% are delaying or canceling significant financial commitments due to concerns over their employment. Conversely, about 30% of respondents said they had either accelerated a major purchase or were planning to do so sooner than originally intended.

The findings come from a Redfin-commissioned survey conducted by Ipsos between August 7–8 and August 13–14, 2025. The nationally representative poll included 1,142 employed Americans, of whom 959 were full-time workers and 183 part-time.

Key Takeaways: How Job Security Shapes Spending Decisions

Job security plays a significant role in how Americans approach large purchases. Among households earning less than $50,000 annually, nearly 57% are postponing or canceling major financial decisions. This contrasts sharply with higher-income households, where just 35% of workers earning $100,000 or more are delaying purchases, and 48% of those in the $50,000–$100,000 range are holding off.

Homeownership status also appears to influence spending behavior. Nearly half of working renters (49%) reported postponing major purchases, compared with only 27% of homeowners. Interestingly, about one-third of respondents (32%) indicated that job security has had little to no effect on their decision-making.

Age, Confidence, and Job Stability

Perceptions of job stability vary widely across age groups:

• 18–34 years: 44% are delaying major purchases. This group is particularly cautious, likely reflecting the financial pressures of early career stages and student debt.
• 35–54 years: 31% are postponing purchases, a slightly lower rate, reflecting more established careers and family financial planning.
• 55+ years: 30% are delaying purchases, suggesting older workers feel more secure or financially prepared to make major commitments.

According to 2024 Pew Research data, roughly two-thirds of employees feel somewhat or very confident about their job security. Nevertheless, about 31% express varying degrees of concern, highlighting a disconnect between official unemployment statistics and individual perceptions.

Chen Zhao, Head of Economics Research at Redfin, emphasizes that even a low unemployment rate—around 4.2% in July 2025 doesn’t fully reflect how workers feel about the labor market.

Many workers are cautious because they observe their employers adjusting to a shifting economic environment, often leveraging AI and other technologies to increase efficiency, Zhao said. From a housing perspective, this caution keeps some potential buyers on the sidelines. Conversely, those who feel secure financially are encountering less competition, which can strengthen their negotiating position. Sellers must recognize that buyers are selective, so competitive pricing and flexibility are essential to closing deals.

Shifting Sentiments Over Time

Worker sentiment about job security has changed considerably in recent months:

• 37% feel more worried about their employment than six months ago.
• 20% feel more secure.

Even among those confident in their positions, emotions fluctuate: 30% report growing confidence, while 19% feel more anxious than half a year ago. Among workers who are already anxious, 77% say their worries have intensified, and only 6% feel more confident now.

The main factors influencing job anxiety include company performance (32%), tariffs (17%), and the impact of automation and AI (16%).

Emergency Funds: A Safety Net Many Lack

Financial preparedness remains uneven across the workforce. Over a third of Americans (36%) lack an emergency fund to cover monthly rent or mortgage payments in case of job loss, while 55% reported having such a fund.

Disparities are evident based on income, homeownership, and age:

• Homeowners: 65% have emergency savings.
• High-income households ($100K+): 68% are financially prepared.
• Lower-income households (<$50K): Only 37% have savings.
• Renters: 40% have a fund.
• Young workers (18–34): 44% have emergency savings, the lowest among all age groups.

Interestingly, workers’ level of concern about job security doesn’t strongly correlate with their emergency fund status. Those anxious about their employment (56%) and those confident (57%) have similar rates of savings.

Among those with emergency funds, coverage varies:

• 0–3 months of expenses: 32%
• 4–6 months: 23%
• 7–12 months: 17%
• Over 12 months: 20%

Financial experts recommend maintaining a fund covering three to six months of living expenses. Only 9% of Americans aged 18–34 have more than a year’s worth of savings, compared with 38% of those over 55, highlighting the importance of building long-term financial security early in one’s career.

Looking Ahead

The combination of economic uncertainty, technological disruption, and uneven savings patterns means that American consumers are approaching big-ticket purchases with heightened caution. Buyers who feel confident in their financial stability have a unique advantage, while those who are anxious must weigh the risks carefully.

For policymakers and businesses, understanding these trends is crucial. Housing markets, auto sales, and even consumer goods sectors may face slower demand if job security concerns persist. At the same time, fostering financial literacy and promoting savings strategies can empower Americans to make major purchases without excessive worry.

In short, while the economy shows some signs of strength, the human element how workers perceive and respond to uncertainty continues to shape spending behavior in profound ways. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.