'Stuck in Survival Mode': Why Only 15% of Americans Feel Hopeful About Money — and How To Join Them
If you’re feeling glum and uninspired about your financial future, you have a lot of company these days.
In a recent MoneyLion survey, only 15% of respondents said they were excited about money and believed it would create opportunities for them. Another 37% said they think they’ll be OK financially but fear something major could go wrong. About 24% said they were stuck in survival mode, 12% said they were afraid they would always be behind and 11% said they simply avoid thinking about their financial future as it is too overwhelming.
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Financial experts list multiple reasons for the prevalence of financial despair in today’s economy. They include inflation not only hitting millions of Americans but hitting them where it hurts the most. Find out exactly why below, plus how you can join the hopeful 15%.
Reasons for Financial Pessimism
“We’re seeing inflation at higher rates, though not in all sectors,” said Megan McCoy, program chair and associate professor for Kansas State University’s Personal Financial Planning program. “The price of TVs may seem OK, but where inflation is hitting is in food costs and housing. Those are felt faster.”
An increase in conversations about money may also be fueling some gloom. McCoy said she has been glad to see the taboo around money talk dissipating, but she acknowledged those talks can be depressing these days.
Others place rising healthcare costs at or near the top of the list. Laura Adams, personal finance author and host of the "Money Girl podcast," said the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits has caused premiums to spike for many Americans, lowering access to care and increasing anxiety.
“Just the fact that health insurance seems to be more and more out of reach for everyday people … It’s not a good sign,” she said. “I don’t think this is likely to change anytime soon. That’s one area where I think people are really frustrated.”
“We have this history and we’re still very attached to the ‘American Dream,’” added Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, financial therapist, author of "The Financial Anxiety Solution" and host of the "Mind Money Balance podcast." “We feel like we’re exerting our very best effort and yet we’re still falling short of those goals.”
Tips for Joining the More Optimistic 15%
If you want to move out of the financial‑fear majority and into the more hopeful 15%, experts say a good way to start is studying what that optimistic group actually does. Their habits tend to be practical, repeatable and grounded in action, not magical thinking.
Educate Yourself With Online Resources and AI (Carefully)
People who feel optimistic about their finances tend to feel confident in their financial knowledge. That doesn’t require a degree in economics. It often starts with small, inexpensive steps.
McCoy recommended building literacy through reputable financial sites and straightforward explainer videos. She also sees value in using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, with guardrails.
“Remember that ChatGPT is trained to tell you what you want to hear,” she said. “Don’t ask it if you are spending too much at Target.”
Look Beyond Cutting Back
Trimming expenses matters, but focusing only on restriction can backfire and create a sense of deprivation. The more hopeful group tends to pair frugality with creativity around earning more.
“Make sure you’re upskilled and ask for raises and promotions,” McCoy said. “So many of us focus on not spending. But is there a way you can increase your income?”
Skip the Toxic Positivity
There’s a point where upbeat mantras stop being helpful. Bryan‑Podvin warned that “toxic positivity” can blind people to real challenges.
She described it as being “past the point of not being able to see that there is an underbelly of life.” When that happens, people may slip back into shame, assuming they’re failing or not working hard enough.
Positive thinking isn’t a substitute for concrete steps like building a budget or tackling one financial task at a time.
“This isn’t just about thinking happy thoughts,” Bryan‑Podvin said. “It’s also about taking action.”
Remember: This Season Isn’t Forever
“Flipping the script” and striving for a more positive outlook can go a long way, according to financial experts. The adage, “This too shall pass” is also recommended for consideration as you battle financial despair.
“All of us have bad financial seasons in life,” Adams said. “And also hopefully some good financial seasons.”
The goal isn’t to pretend everything is fine. It’s to take small, steady steps that move you closer to the mindset and habits of the optimistic 15%.
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Methodology: MoneyLion surveyed 1,000 Americans aged 18 and older from across the country between April 20 and April 24, 2026, asking 25 different questions, including “When you think about your financial future, how does it make you feel emotionally?” MoneyLion used PureSpectrum's survey platform to conduct the poll.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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