Acorns Survey Finds 65% With Negative Net Worth Feel Financial Anxiety, Outpacing Income Effect
Updated
Updated · CNBC · May 30
Acorns Survey Finds 65% With Negative Net Worth Feel Financial Anxiety, Outpacing Income Effect
2 articles · Updated · CNBC · May 30
A survey of 1,875 U.S. adults found financial anxiety tracked more closely with net worth than income, with 65% of people owing more than they own reporting anxiety.
Income made a smaller difference: 51% of adults earning under $20,000 said they were anxious, versus 46% of those making $60,000 to $80,000 and 26% earning at least $150,000.
Net worth showed a sharper gradient, with 47% of people worth $75,000 to $250,000 reporting anxiety, 43% of those with no debt and assets, and 24% above $800,000.
Therapists cited debt burdens, limited cash buffers and fear of layoffs as key drivers, saying financial stress reflects perceived security more than paycheck size.
The findings land as inflation outpaces wages and more Americans lean on credit cards, loans and even retirement savings, widening the mental strain tied to household finances.
Why does financial anxiety still plague Americans with a net worth over $800,000?
If a high salary doesn't guarantee peace of mind, what truly builds financial security today?
With AI and global conflicts rising, are traditional financial planning methods becoming useless?