Este artículo está disponible sólo en inglés.

Finances are a major source of stress for many Americans—even those who are relatively well-off.

And financial stress cuts across demographic groups. 

Financial stress manifests itself in different ways.

Our survey found that 57% of investors experience at least one of these symptoms.  

Not all debt is bad, but debt causes stress for many people when it gets in the way of meeting financial goals.

While about one in three debt-free investors feel anxious about their finances, one in two investors with debt feels that way.

Having a planning mindset is key to mitigating financial stress.

Focusing on what is under one’s control can really make a difference for investors when it comes to their finances and their peace of mind.

About Vanguard Money Attitudes Survey 2023

The survey is a comprehensive assessment designed to capture investor attitudes, financial and longevity literacy, and overall well-being. Conducted from October 17 to 25, 2023, the survey targeted a random sample of U.S.-based Vanguard IRA and 401(k) investors who maintained continuous investment activity between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022. Approximately 89% of the sample consisted of personal investor clients, while the remaining 11% were participants in employer-sponsored defined contribution retirement plans record-kept at Vanguard. Eligible investors were required to be over 21 years old, possess total Vanguard assets of at least $10,000, and have logged into their accounts at least once in the prior year. The overall sample included 4,010 investors, collectively holding approximately $3.5 billion in assets at Vanguard. The findings presented in this article are based on a subsample of 1,107 Vanguard IRA holders who were employed during the survey period.

Authors:
Anna Madamba, Ph.D., Senior Researcher, Investor Preferences
Andy Reed, Ph.D., Head of Investor Behavior Research

_{Notes:
All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.}