# Money on the Mind

Source: https://www.empower.com/the-currency/money/money-on-the-mind-research
Kiwi News: https://news.kiwistand.com/stories/Money-on-the-Mind?index=0x688b734789743086f58115719e7a12870eefcf183cacd5f7d7dda6eaf32fdddde1334b89
Submitted by naomiii.eth on 2025-07-31 UTC, 8 upvotes, 0 comments

## Summary

Empower's "Money on the Mind" survey of 2,206 Americans aged 18 and up, conducted June 10-12, 2025, finds that over a third (36%) lose sleep over financial worries, rising to 44% of Millennials. Over half (53%) say they feel financial stress more acutely than ever, yet 35% say they actively work to improve their finances when such thoughts arise. The most common steps reported are cutting back on dining out (53%) and buying fewer non-essentials (46%), while 47% say they feel confident they will reach their financial goals.

## Article

The time of day matters, too. Gen Z is most likely to think about money in the late afternoon, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., whereas Millennials and Gen X report an uptick in financial thoughts between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., when the day slows down.

When money keeps Americans up at night

Over a third of Americans (36%) say they lose sleep over financial worries, and for Millennials, that number jumps to 44%. Boomers report sleeping better: just 24% say money keeps them up at night.

Even during the day, 38% say money-related thoughts interfere with their ability to focus, and close to 2 in 5 say it strains relationships with friends and family (38%). In fact, over half (53%) say they’re feeling financial stress more acutely than ever (62% Gen X, 41% Baby Boomers).

But there's a flip side: motivation

One third (33%) are thinking about how to grow their money, and how to achieve long-term security (30%). Some 35% say they actively work to improve their financial situation when these thoughts arise, with Millennials among the most proactive (40%).

These actions are paying off. One in 5 (20%) respondents report significantly improving their credit score. Another 20% have paid off meaningful debt, created a successful budget (19%) or spending plan (19%).

Seeking information and advice

With money top of mind, Americans are searching for insights they can trust. About 1 in 5 people seek out financial news multiple times a week, and nearly half say that trusted financial information helps them make smarter decisions (41%). High-income earners report they are seeking out financial news and insights at least once per day (31%). A third of respondents say that talking with a financial advisor helps clarify their thinking around money and financial goals (33%).

Notably, younger adults are leading the way in financial curiosity. Millennials, in particular, value financial education—52% say they place a high importance on financial insights and news (46% overall). More than half say they follow financial news to stay informed. Inflation and cost of living (49%) are the top topics people are researching, followed closely by budgeting (35%), saving (35%), and broader economic forecasts (27%).

What would help ease the pressure?

When asked what would reduce their financial stress, nearly half said a higher income (47%) would ease their worries, while 45% pointed to lower living expenses. Broader economic improvements (29%) and debt elimination (28%), and a larger emergency fund (24%) were also top responses. Notably, almost 1 in 5 (18%) people said a detailed financial plan would go a long way toward helping them feel better about their finances (25% Gen Z, 23% Millennials).

To keep up with rising costs and financial anxiety, Americans are cutting back: 53% have reduced dining out; 46% are buying fewer non-essentials; 40% are scaling back entertainment; 39% are postponing travel or vacations; 33% are canceling subscription services; 29% are passing on social activities with friends.

Nearly 1 in 4 adjust their spending habits every month due to financial concerns, and 17% recalibrate weekly.

Money mindset: focus on the future

Americans can’t stop thinking about their finances, but for many, it’s because they are dreaming of a bright future. Nearly half of Americans (47%) say they feel confident they will reach their financial goals.

Methodology:

Empower’s “Money on the Mind” study is based on online survey responses from 2,206 Americans ages 18+ from June 10-12, 2025. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults.