Is the cost of everyday adulthood getting harder to manage?

Paying bills, maintaining a home, and preparing for the unexpected are often considered essential parts of adulthood. But according to a recent PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll, many Pacific Northwest residents say the realities of everyday adulthood are becoming harder to keep up with. 

Nearly half of respondents (49%) report that an unexpected home or car repair has caused financial strain for their household — a reminder that even routine disruptions can stretch budgets. And while surprise expenses are common, preparation for them isn’t. Just 35% of Washington and Oregon residents say they have an emergency fund set aside to cover unexpected costs. 

Prevention habits may be part of the challenge. Only about one-third of respondents (34%) say they regularly complete basic home maintenance tasks, such as checking smoke detectors, cleaning gutters, or inspecting appliances. These simple steps can help reduce the risk of costly repairs or larger problems down the road, but many households aren’t keeping up with them. 

That doesn’t mean people feel unprepared across the board. In fact, more than half of respondents (59%) say they feel confident managing financial tasks like budgeting and taxes. Where confidence drops is in practical skills: far fewer residents say they feel comfortable handling home or car maintenance on their own. 

When it comes to learning those skills, family still plays the biggest role. Parents and relatives are the leading source of home maintenance knowledge for 44% of residents, followed by trial and error (24%) and online resources (22%). Younger residents, in particular, are more than twice as likely as those 55 and older to turn to the internet to learn practical life skills — highlighting how approaches to “adulting” continue to evolve across generations. 

As everyday costs rise, small issues can quickly turn into expensive surprises. Building practical, preventive skills — and knowing where to turn for reliable guidance — can help households stay better prepared and reduce financial strain over time. 

To learn more about PEMCO’s Northwest Poll, visit pemco.com/blog/nw-polls