Nearly half of Americans avoid checking their financial accounts because of stress.
Mood and money. Research shows that emotions drive financial decisions
Nearly half of Americans avoid checking their financial accounts because of stress, according to a new report Increase in wealth.
- Out of sight, out of mind. In the past 12 months, 44% of Americans have avoided checking their financial account due to stress or fear.
- On the way up. 61% of Americans are stressed about their finances, and 42% say they are more stressed than a year ago.
- Clear compromises. If stress was reduced, 52% said they would be able to focus more on their family and relationships, and 49% would spend more time on health and wellness.
- Great impact. 88% of those who have met with a financial advisor report feeling less stressed afterward.
Over the past 12 months, macroeconomic turmoil and rising costs have dominated the headlines and, in some cases, the headlines for US investors.
According to the Wealth Enhancement survey, nearly half (44%) of US adults have avoided checking a financial account, whether it’s a checking, credit card balance or investment account, in the past year because of stress or fear.
Those who report feeling a lot or extremely stressed about their finances (66%) are the most likely to admit this avoidance, followed by Gen Z (63%). 39% of respondents who reported feeling stressed, anxious or sad said they were most likely to spend money to feel better.
“Avoidance is a normal stress response. when anxiety increases, people may choose to protect themselves from their gaze,” says. Wendell Clarkbehavioral wealth specialist With Wealth Improvement. “That short-term relief can make the problems feel bigger over time. What makes a lasting impact is talking to an expert about the feelings and deep beliefs behind that behavior.”
Emotional center
Personal finance evokes many reactions, but almost everyone feels something. Only 11% say they feel indifferent about their financial situation.
Nearly six in 10 (59%) experience difficult emotions such as anxiety (45%) or frustration (40%) when thinking about their finances, with Gen Z (65%) and Gen X (64%) particularly prone to hard feelings.
One-third (35%) of US adults say their financial situation has a negative impact on their self-worth. This impact on well-being is particularly prevalent among Gen X (42%).
However, many people feel good about their finances, with 40% expressing hope (50% of millennials) and 22% expressing a sense of pride.
Cause and effect
Above all, however, tension is a common theme. 61% of Americans feel stressed about their finances. While many factors contribute to financial stress, the most common stressors for Americans are daily living expenses (55%) and housing costs (42%). 26% of respondents cited healthcare costs/medical expenses as a stressor. this concern is brought into sharper focus given that health care is a key issue in the recent government shutdown.
In times of financial stress, some people put aside savings for the future. Almost a quarter of adults (24%) have paused or reassessed themselves retirement planning due to financial stress, a decision most common among Millennials and Gen X (30%). Another 10% of Americans have not stopped or reassessed their retirement planning, but they intend to do so.
“Reviewing your financial plan in times of stress can be a positive exercise,” says Clark. “When investing in the future, I encourage focusing on goals and values. This can offer a sense of control. And often that leads naturally to the next single, actionable step.”
More than half of respondents (52%) say that if money were not a source of stress, they would focus more on family and relationships. These individuals, for example, may prioritize time with their loved ones. This can lead to incremental financial decisions, such as gathering at home for cheap treats instead of group dinners or cutting back on discretionary spending to save money for a weekend together.
Getting a second opinion
Mixed moods, increased stress levels, and avoidant behavior can naturally combine into a pessimistic financial outlook. Only 17% of Americans surveyed say they have complete control over their financial future. “Total control, however, is often an illusion,” reminds Clark. “What we can control are our own actions and reactions.”
Talking through stress can be a powerful exercise, she adds. When dealing with financial stress, Americans are most likely to turn to those close to them for comfort and advice. Almost half usually talk about financial stress with a family member (49%), a significant other (38%), or a friend (37%).
An overwhelming majority (81%) believe that professional financial advice is important to reduce financial stress, including 17% who believe it is extremely important.
However, only 33% have met with a financial advisor in the past 12 months. This financial action was least common among Gen Z (18%) and most common among Millennials (47%). These conversations had a significant impact. 88% of those who have met with a financial advisor report feeling less stressed afterwards.
“Change doesn’t often happen with the flip of a switch,” Clark says. “It may take time and consistency. It begins with seeking to understand our beliefs and feelings, and then requires taking incremental steps. This is how we replace avoidance with progress.”
FAQs
What percentage of individuals say they feel stressed about their finances?
61% of respondents feel stressed about their finances.
How many people avoid checking their financial accounts?
Almost half of respondents (44%) avoided checking their financial accounts in the past 12 months due to stress or fear.
How many people feel they are in complete control of their financial future?
Only 17% of respondents say they have complete control over their financial future.
What percentage of people have seen a financial advisor in the past 12 months?
33% of survey respondents have met with a financial advisor in the past 12 months.
If their financial stress were to ease, what would people focus on more?
52% of respondents say they will be able to focus more on their family and relationships, and 49% say they will spend more time on health and wellness.
Methodology
The Wealth Improvement Mood and Money Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 2,000 nationally representative US adults aged 18 and older between September 9 and September 13, 2025, using email. invitation and online survey. Data were weighted to ensure accurate representation of nationally representative US adults aged 18 and older.
Results from any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of percentages representing the results. For the interviews conducted in this particular study, there is a 95 in 100 chance that the result of the study does not differ, plus or minus, by more than 2.2 percentage points from the result that would have been obtained if all the people in the sample universe had been interviewed.
This story was produced Increase in wealth and revised and distributed Stacker.
