A recent survey conducted by Bankrate reveals that nearly 43% of U.S. adults say money negatively affects their mental health, contributing to anxiety, stress, and other emotional challenges. This statistic highlights a persistent issue in American society, as financial concerns remain the leading source of mental strain.
Paige DeVriendt, a 32-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, is one of many who has struggled with money-related anxiety throughout her life. Despite earning a combined annual salary of approximately $225,000 with her husband, allowing them to pay bills, save, and manage substantial student loan debt, DeVriendt still feels a sense of shame about money. Growing up in a small town, she absorbed her parents’ financial stress, which shaped her perception of money as a source of anxiety.
“Once I saw how others lived in college, I wanted that,” DeVriendt says, reflecting on her desire to break free from the financial stress she had known. “I didn’t want to feel stressed about money for the rest of my life.”
Although DeVriendt has managed to achieve financial stability, the anxiety about her student loan balance and the fear of an emergency that could disrupt her finances lingered for years. She describes herself as having lived with a “scarcity mindset,” even when financial resources were not as dire.
However, through years of personal effort, including extensive research on personal finance and budgeting, DeVriendt has made significant strides in overcoming her money-related anxiety. Though still feeling occasional concerns, she no longer experiences the overwhelming financial stress she once did.
DeVriendt’s experience is far from unique. According to Bankrate’s latest Money and Mental Health Survey, conducted in March 2025, 43% of Americans report that financial worries negatively affect their mental health at least occasionally. These issues can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, sleep disturbances, and depression. Though this percentage represents a slight decrease from 47% in 2024 and 52% in 2023, financial stress remains the top factor impacting Americans’ mental well-being.
In comparison to other stressors such as political turmoil, global events, or health concerns, money continues to be the most significant source of mental strain. Notably, the economic climate, marked by high inflation, rising interest rates, and fears of a potential recession, has only intensified the financial stress many are feeling.
“The role of economic factors in mental health has been studied for over 50 years, and this issue is not new,” said Edwin B. Fisher, a professor at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health. “Money plays a central role in people’s lives, affecting everything from family care to opportunities and personal enjoyment. When people are struggling to manage their finances or lack savings, it can be deeply distressing.”
The survey also points to a broader pattern of money-related stress in the U.S. Despite a slight year-over-year decline in the percentage of Americans reporting negative effects on their mental health, financial anxiety remains widespread. With inflation and economic uncertainty continuing to affect households, it is clear that the pressure surrounding money is unlikely to subside anytime soon.
The findings from Bankrate and polling partner YouGov Plc underscore the ongoing challenges faced by millions of Americans in managing their financial health, highlighting the need for greater financial literacy and support systems to alleviate these widespread concerns.
