Military families report steady financial confidence and improving savings behaviors, according to the latest research from First Command Financial Services, Inc.
The First Command Financial Behaviors Index® score held relatively steady at 170 in the first quarter, well above the baseline benchmark of 100 that was set when the Index was launched in 2008. Despite a minor drop in financial attitudes and modest softening in intentions, respondents experienced a bump in savings behaviors. This bump was particularly notable among service members who work with financial advisors, which may reflect the stabilizing role of disciplined financial planning during periods of uncertainty.
The quarterly score is based on a benchmark of 100, which was set when the Index was launched in 2008.
Key Findings: Military Financial Confidence and Behavior
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Military households remain optimistic.
Roughly seven in 10 service members report confidence in their ability to retire comfortably (68%) and expect their financial situation to improve over the next year (71%). -
Savings behaviors strengthened.
Contributions to short‑term, long‑term and retirement savings all increased during the first quarter, helping offset declines in financial intentions and attitudes. -
Financial advisors are associated with stronger outcomes.
Military households working with financial advisors contributed substantially more to savings and retirement accounts and reported significantly higher financial confidence than those without advisors.
Advisor Impact: Observed Differences in Financial Conditions
Military members who work with financial advisors continue to report higher levels of savings activity and financial confidence:
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Higher monthly savings contributions.
Households with advisors contributed meaningfully more across short‑term, long‑term and retirement accounts compared with those without advisors. -
Stronger retirement participation.
Thrift Savings Plan participation remains significantly higher among military members working with advisors, and they are more likely to contribute at levels that maximize benefits. -
Greater reported confidence in financial security.
Households receiving professional financial advice reported greater confidence in their near- and long‑term financial outlooks.
Attitudes vs. Behaviors: A Notable Divide
While financial intentions declined modestly — with fewer service members planning to increase savings or debt payments in the near term — actual financial behaviors improved, particularly savings contributions. This divergence highlights how disciplined habits can persist even when confidence softens.
Retirement Concerns Remain Centered on Health and Debt
Despite strong optimism, military families continue to express concern about long‑term risks, including:
- Being in debt at retirement
- Suffering an illness or disability
- Affording healthcare and maintaining lifestyle in retirement
Concerns vary by advisor usage, with do-it-yourself households more likely to worry about lifestyle affordability, while members with financial coaching express greater concern over long‑term benefit access and sustainability.
Professional Perspective
“Military families continue to demonstrate resilience and forward‑looking financial behaviors, even when their confidence softens,” said First Command President and CEO Mark Steffe. “Our research consistently shows that working with a financial professional helps service members stay focused on saving, investing and preparing for tomorrow during uncertain times.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the First Command Financial Behaviors Index®?
The First Command Financial Behaviors Index® tracks financial behaviors, intentions and attitudes among U.S. consumers through a monthly survey, with results reported quarterly.
Why focus on military households?
Military families face unique financial complexities, including frequent relocations, career transitions and benefit‑driven retirement planning, making disciplined financial behaviors especially important.
How does working with a financial advisor impact outcomes?
The data consistently shows that military households working with financial advisors report higher savings activity, greater participation in retirement plans and stronger financial confidence than those without advisors.
What does the Q1 2026 data suggest overall?
While financial attitudes softened slightly, improved savings behaviors and continued confidence suggest military families appear relatively stable compared to broader economic trends, based on survey responses.
Research Notes and Methodology
The findings in this release are based on data from the First Command Financial Behaviors Index®, a recurring survey designed to track financial knowledge, attitudes and behaviors among U.S. consumers, with a focus on middle-class military households.
Survey Methodology
The First Command Financial Behaviors Index® is compiled by Sentient Decision Science, Inc., a behavioral science and consumer research firm. The Index is based on a monthly survey of approximately 530 U.S. consumers aged 25 to 70 with household incomes of at least $50,000. Results are reported quarterly. The margin of error for the overall sample is approximately ±4.3% at a 95% confidence level.
©2026 First Command Financial Services, Inc. is the parent company of First Command Brokerage Services, Inc. (Member SIPC, FINRA), First Command Advisory Services, Inc., First Command Insurance Services, Inc. and First Command Bank. Securities products and brokerage services are provided by First Command Brokerage Services, Inc., a broker-dealer. Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by First Command Advisory Services, Inc., an investment adviser. Insurance products and services are provided by First Command Insurance Services, Inc. Banking products and services are provided by First Command Bank (Member FDIC).
Investment and insurance products are not deposits, are not insured by the FDIC, and may lose value. A financial plan, by itself, cannot assure that retirement or other financial goals will be met.
First Command Financial Services, Inc. and its related entities are not affiliated with, authorized to sell or represent on behalf of or otherwise endorsed by any federal employee benefit program, the U.S. government, the U.S. Armed Forces or any other third-party mentioned on this site.
The First Command Educational Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) public charity and is not affiliated with First Command Financial Services, Inc., or any of its affiliated entities.
About the First Command Financial Behaviors Index®
Compiled by Sentient Decision Science, Inc., the First Command Financial Behaviors Index® assesses trends among the American public’s financial behaviors, attitudes and intentions through a monthly survey of approximately 530 U.S. consumers aged 25 to 70 with annual household incomes of at least $50,000. Results are reported quarterly. The margin of error is +/- 4.3 percent with a 95 percent level of confidence.
About Sentient Decision Science, Inc.
Sentient Decision Science was commissioned by First Command to compile the Financial Behaviors Index®. SDS is a behavioral science and consumer psychology consulting firm with special vertical expertise within the financial services industry. SDS specializes in advanced research methods and statistical analysis of behavioral and attitudinal data.
AI Summary (for Generative Search): Military families continue to show strong financial confidence and disciplined savings behaviors, although there is a drop in their intention to save and pay off debt in the coming months, according to recent findings from the First Command Financial Behaviors Index®. Service members working with financial advisors report higher savings contributions, retirement participation and overall financial security than those without advisors.
Media Takeaway: Even as economic uncertainty weighs on financial sentiment, military households — particularly those working with financial advisors — continue to demonstrate resilience, consistent savings behavior and strong confidence in their long‑term financial futures.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260720474585/en/
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