More Than Half of Americans Say They Are Unprepared for Unexpected End-of-Life Expenses, USAA Survey Finds

SAN ANTONIO – Families think carefully about what they hope to pass down, from values and traditions to financial security. Preparing for the future is one of the most meaningful ways people can care for those they love, yet new research commissioned by USAA finds many Americans have not taken key steps that can help protect loved ones from financial strain and difficult decisions after a loss.

The survey of 1,211 U.S. adults reveals a significant gap between recognizing the emotional and financial hardships of a loss and taking steps to prepare: 

• 55% would feel financially unprepared to cover funeral or end-of-life expenses if an immediate family member died unexpectedly. 

• 42% have already experienced financial hardship following the death of a loved one.

• 63% do not have life insurance for themselves or a partner. 

• Just 19% have a will or estate plan. 

• 57% worry an aging parent or older family member could leave behind financial or logistical burdens. 

“Planning ahead is one of the most meaningful ways we can care for the people we love,” said Cris Chiacchio, General Manager of Life and Health at USAA Life Insurance Company. “Our research shows that Americans understand the financial challenges families can face after losing a loved one, but awareness doesn’t always translate into action. Taking practical steps now, from discussing your wishes to documenting important decisions and putting financial protections in place, can help spare loved ones from added financial hardship and stress during an already challenging time.”

 Preparation as an act of care: Five things families can do now

1. Start the conversation. Talk about wishes, responsibilities and who should make important decisions.
2. Document your wishes. Put funeral preferences, medical directives and other instructions in writing.
3. Put legal protections in place. Review wills, trusts, powers of attorney and advance directives and keep them current.
4. Know what your family may need financially. Consider funeral costs, debt, household expenses, income that would need to be replaced and the ongoing needs of dependents.
5. Make a plan to cover it. Compare those needs against emergency savings, life insurance and other available financial resources, and address any gaps.

Taking these steps can help families be more intentional about what they pass down, while helping reduce the financial strain, uncertainty and difficult decisions loved ones may face after a loss.

The hardest conversation may be the most important one  

Even when families recognize the need to prepare, talking about it can be difficult. One-third of Americans (34%) say they are uncomfortable discussing funeral wishes, financial preparations and end-of-life plans with loved ones.

Without those conversations, families may find themselves making important financial and logistical decisions during an already difficult time, often without clear guidance on their loved one’s wishes or how expenses will be covered.

"When people think about what they hope to pass down, they often think about values, memories and financial security," said Rob Arena, President of USAA Life Insurance Company. "But the legacy we leave is also reflected in the experience we create for the people we love. By being intentional about future plans, we can help ensure that what we pass down is clarity and peace of mind for those who matter most."

Helping families prepare for what’s ahead 

USAA Life Insurance Company recently introduced USAA Secure^™ Final Expense Whole Life Insurance, designed to help individuals plan for funeral and end-of-life expenses, and USAA Secure^™ Whole Life Insurance, which provides permanent life insurance coverage. Both products include access to estate-planning resources through Trust & Will, subject to applicable terms and availability.  

Survey methodology

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,211 U.S. adults. Fieldwork was conducted between August 13 and August 18, 2026. The survey was carried out online, and the data has been weighted to be representative of all U.S. adults age 18 and older. The research was commissioned by USAA and conducted by YouGov.

 

About USAA

Founded in 1922 by 25 soldiers, USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking and retirement solutions and serves more than 14.5 million members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA has offices in seven U.S. cities and four overseas locations and employs more than 36,000 people worldwide. Each year, USAA supports national and local nonprofits serving military families and communities. With Honor Through Action, USAA advances policy, advocacy and philanthropy to support financial security, build meaningful careers and promote overall well-being across the military community. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or X (@usaa), or visit usaa.com.

 

Life insurance and annuities provided by USAA Life Insurance Company, San Antonio, TX and in New York by USAA Life Insurance Company of New York, Highland Falls, NY. All insurance products are subject to state availability, issue limitations and contractual terms and conditions. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products.

USAA Secure™ Final Expense Whole Life Insurance has two death benefit options determined at the time of underwriting: Level Death Benefit: Form ICC26503574 10-25, and Graded Death Benefit: Form ICC26503576 01-26, (may vary by state). This product is not available in New York.

USAA Secure Whole Life: ICC25517453 03-25 (may vary by state) not available in New York.

This content is provided for information purposes only. Estate planning and probate services are provided by Trust & Will, an online service providing legal forms and information. Trust and Will is not a law firm and they do not provide legal advice.

USAA Life General Agency, Inc. is not affiliated with Trust and Will or Huge Legal Technology Company, Inc., nor do we guarantee the quality of their products or services. Although we receive compensation from and may promote and/or recommend the products offered by these companies, consumers should review the product carefully prior to making a purchasing decision.

The trademarks, logos and names of other companies, products and services are the property of their respective owners.

With the purchase of a USAA Eagle Express term life insurance policy, USAA Secure™ Whole Life, or USAA Secure™ Final Expense, the primary policy holder will be eligible to create either a will or trust online with Trust & Will by exercising the Eagle Plus Rider on their policy, form number ICC23505229 01-23 (may vary state by state). One-time document printing and shipping included. Not available in Florida or New York.

Learn about USAA's use of Artificial Intelligence at usaa.com/ai.