The Middle Class Must Do This in 2026 To Escape Financial Crisis Mode
Though overall the economy performed better in 2025 than many experts predicted, the middle class suffered some hefty blows. Inflation drove up the cost of just about everything from food to transportation. The middle class, largely already struggling with the cost of living, was cornered to subsist on an even more frugal budget.
We may be in a new year, but the financial setbacks we endured in 2025 — and possibly even in the years leading up to it — may still be impacting us emotionally, causing us to live in financial crisis mode.
A new study from Allianz Life found that at the end of 2025, 48% of Americans said they were more stressed than they were at the start of the year. This is up from 43% in 2024. What can we do to alleviate the stress and get to a place of feeling financially secure? Let's hear what experts recommend.
Let’s Go: You're Going To Build an Emergency Fund Even If Saving's a Struggle
Sign Up: Start Growing Your Net Worth With Smarter Tracking
Get Clear on Where You Stand Financially
Melissa Murphy Pavone, CFP, founder at Mindful Financial Partners sees middle-class clients navigating money stress everyday. One of her core tips is to get to a place of financial clarity.
"Many people feel stressed simply because they don't know where they stand," Pavone said. "A clear net-worth statement and a monthly cash-flow snapshot can be incredibly grounding. Most of us have assets spread across multiple places — bank accounts, retirement plans, brokerage accounts — and seeing everything on one page often brings immediate relief."
Make a Sustainable 'Calorie Budget'
Food for thought: when you're determined to get in better shape, you (ideally) commit to making healthy, sustainable adjustments to your diet. Why not approach your finances in the same way?
"We should think about money in the same way we think about our health," said Sharath Sharma, EY global vice chair, strategic transformations. "Improving health doesn't start with extreme diets or supplements. You start with understanding your daily intake. What you are eating, how many calories you consume, what are high-calorie and low-calorie diets and how to create a sustainable calorie budget. Financial wellbeing works the same way."
Focus On What You Can Do in the Next 90 Days
Yes, we should all be thinking long-term and big-picture about our financial situation — but if you're caught in a ball of stress and fear, take a breather and focus only on what you can accomplish or manage in the next three months.
"I cannot tell you how many folks try to plan every financial aspect three decades out," said Eric Croak, CFP, president at Croak Capital. "Lock in your next three meals, next month of bills, next few rolls of cash and debt payments. Execute inside that window and set a recurring calendar alarm to check-in for 20 minutes weekly like clockwork."
Break Free From a Money Dysmorphia Mindset
Another way to keep your financial stress in check is to keep your financial reality in check. Too often, we slip into a state of money dysmorphia — a warped perception of our financial state.
"For instance, a wealthy, financially stable person might feel perpetually 'poor,' worrying obsessively about money despite their security," said Christina Lynn, CFP, CDFA, AFC, director, wealth strategist at Mariner Wealth Advisors. "On the flip side, a middle-income earner might overspend and rack up credit card debt, chasing a lifestyle they believe they should afford, even though their income doesn't align with those expectations."
Sit down and map out your financial situation using nothing but the numbers and objective rationality.
"The truth is, we all have blind spots with our finances. Identifying logical solutions — or cultivating a healthy money mindset — takes intentionality, practice and often the support of a trusted professional," Lynn said.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion: