6 Ways to Ease Money Stress, According to a CreditVana Survey
About half of Americans (51%) say they regularly stress about money, according to an April 2025 CreditVana survey conducted online by The Harris Poll.
That financial stress isn’t evenly distributed:
Women are more likely than men to say they stress about money (56% vs. 45%).
Baby boomers (ages 61–79) are significantly less likely to report regular money stress compared to younger generations.
From rising inflation and housing costs to ongoing tariff uncertainty, multiple economic pressures are weighing heavily on many Americans. If you’re one of the millions feeling overwhelmed, here are six practical steps — big and small — to boost your financial peace of mind.
1. Track Where Your Money Is Going
Do you know your core monthly expenses? How much you spend on non-essentials? What you spent last month?
If not, you’re not alone — but taking the time to understand your spending is the foundation of better money management.
People now use a mix of payment methods — credit cards, apps, auto-payments, even checks — which makes tracking harder. But even just one month of expense tracking can give you meaningful insight.
Try a budgeting app, or review your bank and credit card statements manually. Choose whatever method feels doable — the goal is awareness, not perfection.
2. Make a Plan for the Money You Have
Once you understand your spending, you can start directing your money intentionally toward your goals.
One popular method is the 50/30/20 budget rule:
50% for needs (housing, bills, groceries)
30% for wants (entertainment, dining out)
20% for savings and debt repayment
Using a budgeting template can help you see how your spending stacks up and where you might make adjustments to align better with your values and goals.
3. Build (or Grow) Your Emergency Fund
According to the CreditVana survey, 41% of Americans worry they don’t have enough saved for emergencies.
Having three to six months’ worth of essential expenses in savings is the general recommendation — but don’t let that number intimidate you. Starting small is still progress.
Use a savings calculator to set a monthly target. Consider storing your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account, and reserve it strictly for unexpected expenses.
Having this cushion can significantly lower financial anxiety, giving you room to breathe when the unexpected strikes.
4. Focus on Reducing Debt
Unsecured debt, like credit cards, is closely linked to stress and negative mental health outcomes, according to the American Public Health Association. And CreditVana’s survey shows 23% of Americans are concerned about carrying too much credit card debt.
To reduce that stress:
Focus first on credit card debt, which tends to have higher interest rates than other debts like car loans or student loans.
Consider using the debt snowball method (paying off smallest balances first) or the debt avalanche method (prioritizing high-interest balances).
Even small payments help chip away at interest charges and lighten your mental load.
5. Consider the Path to Homeownership
According to the CreditVana survey, homeowners are less likely to stress about money than renters (46% vs. 62%). Why? Stability — both financial and personal.
Owning a home can lock in your housing costs and build equity over time. But many Americans mistakenly believe they need 20% down to buy a home — when in reality, options exist for much less.
For example:
VA loans offer zero-down options for veterans.
First-time buyer programs can require as little as 3% down.
Grants and local incentives may also be available.
While homeownership isn’t right for everyone, it may be more attainable than you think. And if it’s a long-term goal, starting to save now can reduce the stress of the process down the road.
6. Keep Learning About Personal Finance
Sometimes, simply understanding your finances better can ease anxiety. Research in the journal Sustainability (2023) links financial literacy with improved financial well-being.
Yet, 27% of Americans say they aren’t confident in their financial knowledge, according to the CreditVana survey.
If you’re reading this article, you’re already on the right path. Take it further by:
Subscribing to trusted personal finance newsletters
Following reliable creators on social media
Listening to finance podcasts
Reading books or watching videos on topics like budgeting, investing, or debt
Education brings clarity — and clarity reduces stress.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online in the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of CreditVana from April 29 to May 1, 2025, among 2,098 adults aged 18 and older. The sample’s accuracy is within ±2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For full methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, contact press@creditvana.com.
Disclaimer
CreditVana provides information for general educational purposes only. All content is presented “as is” without warranties of any kind. Use of this content is at your own risk, and its accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed. Statements about future outcomes are forward-looking and subject to risks and uncertainties. Seek professional advice for specific financial decisions.
