CMF panellist Liz Fraser believes financial insecurities, exacerbated by low or no savings, could be to blame.
She said: "Without the ability to put money aside, we expect families will continue to worry and feel vulnerable in unexpected times of need."
Fraser added: "Until wage levels begin to recover in line with the cost of living, many will struggle to put this much-needed comfort blanket in place."
The survey found the main underlying cause of poor resilience was low income, with 28% asserting it was negatively impacting quality of life. Poor health and time poverty were also given as reasons.
