Money and Mental Health Survey
The Money and Mental Health survey is conducted annually by the National Financial Educators Council and demonstrates the connection between people’s finances and their emotional state. New data is released each October to raise awareness for Emotional Wellness Month and Mental Illness Awareness Week.
The NFEC conducted the survey of 2112 people across America between September 15th and 23rd. The goal was to better understand the connections between people’s financial capabilities and their money-related attitudes and behaviors. The number of people answering that their top financial concern was “Covering Basic Needs (food, housing)” more than doubled over last year’s results.
Survey Results
My personal finances have a negative impact on my emotional & mental well-being:
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral (neither agree nor disagree)
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
My personal finances are a cause of stress:
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral (neither agree nor disagree)
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
My top financial concern is:
Covering Basic Needs (food, housing)
Saving Money
Reducing Expenses
Security of Income or Job
Debt Load
Credit Score
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:
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral (neither agree nor disagree)
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
My personal finances are a cause of stress:
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral (neither agree nor disagree)
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
My top financial concern is:
Saving Money
Security of Income or Job
Covering Basic Needs (food, housing)
Reducing Expenses
Debt Load
Credit Score
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:
Agree or Strongly Agree
Neutral (neither agree nor disagree)
Disagree or Strongly Disagree
My personal finances are a cause of stress:
Agree or Strongly Agree
Neutral (neither agree nor disagree)
Disagree or Strongly Disagree
My top financial concern is:
Saving Money
Covering Basic Needs (food, housing)
Security of Income or Job
Reducing Expenses
Debt Load
Credit Score
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