"While we don't know what post-COVID life will look like, we're encouraged to see that people intend to hold on to the better financial habits they've developed during this challenging time."

Here are some of the behaviors respondents said they have adopted and expect to maintain:

• Reducing living costs and spending: 45%.
• Paying down debt: 34%.
• Increasing investing: 33%.
• Regularly revisiting financial plans: 29%.
• Increasing use of tech/digital solutions to manage finances: 28%.
• Increasing retirement contribution/savings: 25%.
• Receiving professional financial guidance: 19%.

The Harris Poll conducted an online survey in March among 2,320 American adults. 

Setbacks and Postponements

Forty-five percent of Americans surveyed said the pandemic has affected their timeline for achieving long-term financial security, with most indicating a setback of one to two years. 

Generation Z and Millennials in the survey have been hit particularly hard, with 2 in 3 saying they have been set back financially. Northwestern Mutual noted, however, that the amount of time these two groups lost was consistent with the estimate of time lost for the broader sample.

More than a third of respondents reported that they have postponed a major financial or life event because of the pandemic: 17% making or funding large purchases or projects; 10% changing or looking for a new job; and 9% buying or building a new home.

"An improvement in financial habits is a positive for sure, but it shouldn't overshadow the fact that it's coming from a place of financial difficulties for many," Mitchell said.