Financial stress isn’t just draining wallets; it’s taking a serious toll on Americans’ health. A new Health is Wealth Report from MoneyLion and Mastercard exposes the hidden physical and mental costs of money worries, with two-thirds of U.S. adults reporting actual physical symptoms linked to financial stress.
According to the study, money problems are making Americans sick. Trouble sleeping (40%) and headaches (37%) top the list of stress-induced symptoms, while nearly 60% admit to skipping self-care activities, like doctor visits or gym memberships, due to financial concerns.
Inflation is only adding insult to injury. Sixty-seven percent say rising prices have hurt their mental and physical health, with stress, anxiety, and an inability to afford healthy food among the top consequences.
Better financial literacy could help make things easier. Three out of four Americans believe that improving their financial knowledge would make them healthier, and 22% even think it could enhance their physical appearance. Yet, learning about money remains a struggle, with over half citing obstacles like confusing resources, lack of time, or sheer boredom.
Americans want financial education to be as accessible as TikTok. Short, easy-to-digest, and even gamified content would motivate nearly 80% to engage with financial learning. When it comes to education, 90% believe financial literacy should be a required school subject, just like math or gym.