Almost half of Americans feel more stressed going into 2026 than they did at the beginning of this year, a survey shows.
The figure of 48% is up from 43% last year, according to Allianz Life, which commissioned the survey. Only 13% feel less stressed.
Also, 42% are more stressed specifically about finances, the survey shows. That’s about the same as last year.
Among the big reasons for financial stress are day-to-day costs, income being too low, and not saving enough for emergencies.
Two other reasons people feel financial pressure are the cost of health care and worry about keeping their job, both of which were cited by “significantly” more respondents compared with last year, Allianz Life said.
More than half plan to start or continue looking for a new job next year, an increase from 47% last year, according to the survey, which has a +3% margin of error. Of those who are unlikely to look for work, 71% “say it’s because it seems safer to stay where they are in the current economic environment,” according to the insurer.
But is it safe for many of the respondents to stay in their current worry environment?