Currently, only one in ten people feel “very good” about their financial situation. According to new research.
A survey of 2,000 general population Americans asked respondents how they currently feel about their finances. 13% feel it is “very good” and 28% feel it is “somewhat good.”
However, respondents are trying to be smart about their money. 84% say that setting yourself for future financial success is more important than ever in an age of economic uncertainty.
Half of Americans surveyed (51%) said current economic uncertainty has led them to take steps to improve their financial knowledge.
59% plan to learn more about personal finances
59% have plans to increase economic understanding. Regarding these respondents, they will track their spending (69%), read financial news (28%) regularly, and use the budgeting app (28%).
They also listen to financial podcasts (23%) and plan to be more open with their families about their finances to spark discussion (22%).
The survey delves into respondents’ financial management, with 74% currently managing a large portion of their finances, but only half have “a lot” trust in themselves.
Consigned by Beyond finance The study conducted by Talker Research prior to Financial Practice Week shows that the lack of financial education in respondents’ younger years likely influenced their current confidence in managing money.
The survey revealed that a fifth of Americans do not have financial education from their parents.
This lack of education was even more severe when surveyed by generation. Thirty-five percent of baby boomers surveyed said they had no financial education from their parents.
However, the results showed a positive trend, as only a fifth of Z respondents said the same thing.
Respondents have put their financial education into their hands, with 76% saying they want to empower them to better manage their finances.
This may also be due to the fact that over the past 12 months, 18% of respondents felt more disillusioned with financial institutions like banks.
“There’s a growing movement in financial self-development,” said Lou Antonelli, Chief Operating Officer at Beyond Finance. “We see people transition from avoidance to action. It’s not just about fixing your finances. It’s about feeling competence and control.”
I hope these actions will help Americans as they work towards their financial goals. Respondents said they focused on saving money (53%) and reducing or eliminating debt (32%).
Goals for 2025 include invoice stress and better credit
They also want to worry about invoices (27%) in 2025 and establish a “Rainy Day” fund (27%) and not need to improve their credit score (26%).
“When it comes to financial welfare, trust in yourself is the foundation,” said Dr. Erica Lassell, Chief Financial Wellness Advisor at Beyond Finance. “We often think of money management as purely numbers and strategies, but in reality it is very emotional.
“Building self-confidence allows people to move from fear and avoidance to confident, empowered decisions. Investing in themselves means more than savings or budgeting.
Research method:
The Talker survey looked at 2,000 Americans in general population. The investigation was commissioned by Beyond finance Managed and implemented online by Talker Research April 4th-7th, 2025.
