Money and Metal Health Survey

The National Financial Educators Council has released the latest results of its financial wellness and emotional health survey. This survey is designed to provide data that help quantify the connection between personal financial situations, emotional health, mental well-being, and stress.

The NFEC surveyed 1,200 adults across the United States and asked them:

  • Do you believe improving your financial situation would have a positive impact on your emotional health?

  • Do your personal finances have a negative impact on your emotional and mental well-being?

  • Are your personal finances a cause of stress?

The survey was conducted from December 24 to January 6, 2026. The results show a strong connection between financial wellness and emotional well-being. A total of 73% of respondents said improving their financial situation would have a positive impact on their emotional health; 50.42% agreed that their personal finances negatively affect their emotional and mental well-being; and 58.92% agreed that their personal finances are a cause of stress.

Methodology

Data were collected by Prodege, a consumer insights firm, via the Pollfish platform using targeted demographic criteria, stratified sampling, and randomized real-time recruitment across mobile apps and websites. The sample was limited to individuals who had graduated from high school. Protege ensures data quality through AI-driven screening, fraud-detection protocols, and a rigorous validation process, thereby supporting high standards of accuracy and reliability.

The Cycle of Financial Stress

Money & Mental Health Survey Whitepaper

The NFEC looks at our own survey results in conjunction with the findings of others concerning the relationship between personal finance and mental health. Steps to both help cope with financial stress and to reduce the sources are also examined.

The NFEC's Money & Mental Health Survey Whitepaper

Survey Results

Do you believe improving your financial situation would have a positive impact on your emotional health?

73

Yes (Definitely Yes + Yes)

18.8%

Maybe

8.2%

No (No + Definitely No)

My personal finances have a negative impact on my emotional & mental well-being:

50.4

Agree (Strongly Agree + Agree)

23.6

Neither Agree nor Disagree

26%

Disagree (Disagree + Strongly Disagree)

My personal finances are a cause of stress:

58.9

Agree (Strongly Agree + Agree)

19.3%

Neither Agree nor Disagree

21.8%

Disagree (Disagree + Strongly Disagree)

Past Survey Results

My personal finances have a negative impact on my emotional & mental well-being:

10.8%

Strongly Agree

16.5%

Agree

41.5%

Neutral (neither agree nor disagree)

14.2%

Disagree

17.1%

Strongly Disagree

My personal finances are a cause of stress:

15.7%

Strongly Agree

19.1%

Agree

40%

Neutral (neither agree nor disagree)

11.3%

Disagree

13.9%

Strongly Disagree

My top financial concern is:

19.0%

Covering Basic Needs (food, housing)

15.1%

Saving Money

7.7%

Reducing Expenses

7.5%

Security of Income or Job

3.5%

Debt Load

3.5%

Credit Score

43.7%

None of These

Past Survey Results

1,503 Respondents between September 23th and October 4th, 2021

My personal finances have a negative impact on my emotional & mental well-being:

11.4%

Strongly Agree

20.5%

Agree

33.7%

Neutral (neither agree nor disagree)

14.1%

Disagree

20.3%

Strongly Disagree

My personal finances are a cause of stress:

12.7%

Strongly Agree

14.9%

Agree

34.6%

Neutral (neither agree nor disagree)

16.0%

Disagree

21.8%

Strongly Disagree

My top financial concern is:

20.2%

Saving Money

9.6%

Security of Income or Job

9.3%

Covering Basic Needs (food, housing)

8.9%

Reducing Expenses

7.8%

Debt Load

3.4%

Credit Score

40.7%

None of These

Past Results

2,107 Respondents between September 29th and October 3rd, 2020

My personal finances have a negative impact on my emotional & mental well-being:

32.4%

Agree or Strongly Agree

39.9%

Neutral (neither agree nor disagree)

27.7%

Disagree or Strongly Disagree

28.7%

Agree or Strongly Agree

36.5%

Neutral (neither agree nor disagree)

34.8%

Disagree or Strongly Disagree

My top financial concern is:

20.6%

Saving Money

10.4%

Covering Basic Needs (food, housing)

9.3%

Security of Income or Job

9.2%

Reducing Expenses

8.8%

Debt Load

5%

Credit Score

36.7%

None of These

Additional Money & Mental Health Survey Supporting Information

Certified Financial Planner ® Board of Standards, Inc. (2017). Continuing Education Policies. Washington, DC: CFPBS. https://www.cfp.net/for-cfp-professionals/continuing-education

National Financial Educators Council Financial Guidance

National Financial Educators Council Financial Wellness & Emotional Wellness 

National Financial Educators Council Where to Turn for Trusted Financial Guidance

Financial Conduct Authority (2017). Consumer Explanations of “Advice and Guidance.” London, UK: FCA. https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/research/fawg-consumer-explanations-advice-guidance.pdf