Then there’s marriage—postponed now by 12 percent, compared with 2007’s 6 percent, and having children—postponed by 13 percent, while in 2007 just 5 percent were stalling. Of course, stalling on having kids could have something to do with the fact that 22 percent are delaying buying a home, while in 2007 14 percent were putting it off.

Higher education is on hold, too, with 24 percent waiting till they feel more flush. In 2007, 11 percent—still a sizeable enough number—were trying to save up.

One item people shouldn’t be putting off, although it’s certainly understandable, is having a medical procedure done. In 2015, 19 percent were waiting till their finances were in better shape, while in 2007 just 9 percent stalled.

So what’s getting in the way?

Well, despite the fact that 85 percent of respondents report having made positive changes to their financial behavior since the recession, such as following a monthly budget (58 percent), increasing their savings rate (44 percent) or building up an emergency fund (35 percent), 60 percent of Americans said they were postponing these major life steps because of a lack of savings.

Half said they were worried about the economy; others said they were having a tough time keeping up with nonmortgage monthly bills (39 percent) or medical bills (29 percent).

And some folks are taking care of elderly parents or other relatives (29 percent), working on reducing their credit card debt (28 percent), or worrying about losing their jobs (27 percent) and having a hard time making mortgage payments (25 percent).