The State of Financial Wellness: Split Between Stress and Stability

Last week, Origin ran a quick poll in The Gist to get a temperature check on how people are feeling about their money right now. Out of 98 responses, the results were basically split down the middle. About a quarter said they’re highly stressed about money, another quarter said they’re moderately stressed, another quarter felt only slightly stressed, and just under a third said they’re feeling good. In other words: no single mood is carrying the room—money stress and money confidence are running neck and neck.

In other words, no single mood is carrying the room. Money stress and money confidence are running neck and neck.

The weird vibes economy continues

That mix mirrors the national mood: conflicted. On the one hand, financial stress is everywhere. A new Bankrate survey shows that one in three Americans now has more credit card debt than emergency savings, the highest share since the question was first tracked in 2011. Younger Americans, in particular, are tapping into their savings to cover rent, groceries, or unexpected car repairs. Meanwhile, the job market appears steady on paper — unemployment is holding at 4.2% — but beneath the surface, hiring has slowed to its weakest pace since the financial crisis (excluding the pandemic). About 60% of Americans expect unemployment to rise in the year ahead.

On the other hand, Wall Street is still partying. The S&P 500 is already up 14% year-to-date, and history suggests that the fourth quarter is typically the strongest of the year. Going back to 1950, the S&P has finished Q4 positive 80% of the time, with average gains of 4.2%. Market technicians are calling this season a “treat, not a trick.” For investors, confidence is running hot and flying in the face of these mixed signals. 

Why the disconnect?

Because personal finance is, well, personal. Two people with the same income can experience completely different situations. Someone with high-interest debt and shaky job security is going to report “high stress.” Someone who just got a raise and is maxing their 401(k) might feel fine — even if they’re reading the same headlines.

The same split shows up in our survey: nearly one in three respondents said they’re feeling good about money, even while the same share said they’re highly stressed. It’s less about the “average American” and more about the circumstances you’re living through.

What it means for you

The broader economy will continue to send mixed signals. Credit card balances may be rising, but stocks continue to climb for now. Jobs may look plentiful on paper, but still feel scarce in practice. None of that changes the basics: building a cushion, paying down debt, and protecting your income are timeless moves.

Whether you’re stressed or confident, the takeaway from our poll is simple — there’s no single financial state of mind right now. The only economy that genuinely matters is your own.