Beyond Finance Survey Reveals Americans Are Losing Trust in Money Goals as Debt Pressures Mount. Financial Therapist Dr. Erika Rasure Urges Values-First Reset
CHICAGO, — As Americans enter the New Year under growing financial uncertainty, January’s Financial Wellness Month arrives at a critical moment. New data shows total U.S. household debt climbed by $197 billion in Q3 2025, reaching $18.59 trillion, with credit card balances alone rising to $1.23 trillion, a clear signal that financial strain is increasing just as many consumers attempt to “start fresh” in the new year.
Why Financial Wellness Month Matters More Than Ever Right Now
Against this backdrop, a new national survey from Beyond Finance reveals a growing disconnect between consumers’ financial intentions and their ability to sustain meaningful progress. While the New Year has long been viewed as a moment for financial resets, the survey’s results reveal that traditional goal-setting approaches are no longer working, and may actually be undermining confidence at a time when financial wellness is more urgent than ever.
Key survey insights include:
- Most Americans Give Up on Financial Goals Within Months – According to the survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults, 83% of Americans let some or all of their financial goals from last year slip, with only 19% maintaining them throughout the year. More than one-third abandoned their goals within the first three months, reinforcing a cycle of early-year burnout rather than lasting financial change.
- Nearly Half Still Set Goals as Fewer Trust They’ll Work – Despite these challenges, intention remains high. Nearly half of respondents say they have made or plan to make financial goals this year, even as trust in the traditional resolution model erodes. Only 45% of respondents believe financial resolutions actually improve their financial health, highlighting a widening gap between intention and confidence in results at a time when consumers can least afford missteps.
- Stress, Secrecy, and Mixed Feelings Define How Americans Experience Money – The survey underscores the emotional complexity surrounding money today. Forty-one percent of respondents say money causes stress or problems, even as nearly 75% believe it improves quality of life. Almost half feel you can never have enough money, reflecting the constant tension between financial aspiration and anxiety. Compounding the issue, nearly 60% say money should be kept private and not discussed, suggesting many Americans are managing financial stress and rising debt, entirely on their own.
This Isn’t a Willpower Problem
“Financial Wellness Month comes at a moment when many people are carrying record levels of debt and quietly blaming themselves when traditional financial advice doesn’t work,” said Dr. Erika Rasure, chief financial wellness advisor at Beyond Finance. “This isn’t a willpower problem; it’s a financial wellness challenge. Sustainable financial progress starts with understanding the emotions, beliefs, and values that drive money decisions. When people feel aligned with their values, they’re far better equipped to navigate debt, uncertainty, and long-term goals with resilience rather than shame.”