A lot of Americans are stressed out about money, and new research reveals the way those feelings are showing up in our day-to-day lives. Northwestern Mutual has just released their 2025 Planning & Progress Study, which looks at our attitudes, behaviors and perspectives about issues impacting our long-term financial security. And it turns out, financial uncertainty is affecting our wellbeing in a big way.
According to the study of more than 46-hundred U.S. adults:
- Nearly seven in 10 (69%) say financial uncertainty has left them feeling anxious and depressed.
- For 39% of Gen Z and 38% of millennials, it has them feeling that way on a weekly basis.
- Money worries are leading to sleepless nights, with 63% admitting that’s kept them up at night.
- About half of Gen Z (53%) and millennials (50%) toss and turn over their finances at least once a month.
- Stress about money is even impacting our love lives, as 57% of those who are married or living with a partner say financial uncertainty has affected their relationship with their spouse or partner.
- That number climbs to 71% for Gen Z and 75% for millennials.
- Some people’s social lives are even taking a hit over financial concerns, as 55% admit it’s caused them to miss a social event.
- We’re bringing those concerns to work, too, with nearly half (49%) admitting their worries about money have affected their job performance.
- It’s even worse for younger Americans, as 64% of Gen Z and 58% of millennials confess their worries over finances have affected them at work.
- Beyond the mental drain, 40% say financial concerns have made them feel physically sick.
- Overall, 45% of Americans rate their finances as “weak,” which is a lot more than the number who feel that way about their physical health (28%), mental health (28%), friendships (27%), job stability (26%) and their relationship with their family (22%).
Source: Northwestern Mutual