Rising Costs of Living and Financial Stress

 
As the cost of living increases in America, so do stress levels. Housing and college tuition are just a couple examples of costs which have increased substantially over time, often outpacing wage growth and inflation. Subsequently, student loan and mortgage debt are very common amongst Americans. A 2019 study published by TD Ameritrade of over 1,000 participants found that 47% of them attributed major financial stress to the rising cost of living. Furthermore, survey answers from over 19,000 American adults yielded that for 60% of them, thinking about finances gave them feelings of anxiety. The American Psychological Association's Stress in America 2020 study found that not only is money a significant stressor for 64% of their participants, but that financial stress also disproportionately affects lower income Americans. No matter how you look at it, the results are clear. Many, many people in the United States feel stress and anxiety around money.

Given the rising costs of living, it is no wonder that many Americans have these feelings regarding finances and debt. Research has consistently shown that this is a leading cause of stress in the United States, and for those without adequate access to shelter, nutrition and healthcare, these negative effects will likely only become amplified. Many of the leading causes of homelessness are related to money, poverty, and unaffordable housing. Because of this, it's reasonable to assume that these feelings of financial stress and anxiety have a very heavy affect on houseless individuals. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing feelings of financial stress or anxiety, you are not alone. Information on understanding and coping with financial stress can be found from resources such as Verywell Mind and the American Psychological Association.