New MassMutual Study Finds Widespread Worry Among Middle Americans About Politics, Personal Finances
Middle America is fraught with worry about a range of issues, particularly the direction of the country and personal finances, the latter which often adversely impacts people's health, personal relationships and on-the-job performance, according to a new study by
"Our research shows that middle-income earners express widespread worry about a range of issues, particularly politics and their personal finances," said
Overall, 37 percent of the study's respondents report feeling "not very" or "not at all" financially secure, while the majority (54 percent) describe themselves as "somewhat secure," according to the MassMutual Middle America Financial Security Study1. The internet-based research was conducted on behalf of
Political Distress
Worries about politics and the direction of the country eclipse even concerns about household finances, the health and well-being of parents and children, personal health, and careers, the study found. Two-thirds (66 percent) expressed concerns about the direction of the country, women (73 percent) more so than men (60 percent), and nearly half (47 percent) are troubled by potential changes to the healthcare system. Those who expressed being "very" or "somewhat worried" were equally divided across the income spectrum, with people with household incomes of
Stress, Anxiety, Insomnia
Concerns about finances, however, had the most tangible, negative repercussions for many people's health and personal relationships:
Those who worry about money at least once a week say their troubles cause a variety of health issues, including anxiety (51 percent), headaches (38 percent), insomnia or difficulty sleeping (35 percent), nausea or stomach issues (20 percent), and clenched jaw or grinding teeth (19 percent). Some income levels reported more problems than others and women reported experiencing more headaches (45 percent vs. 32 percent) and insomnia (44 percent vs. 27 percent) than men.
Money worries accompany many Middle Americans to work. Four in 10 respondents (40 percent) said they worry about money at least once a week while at work, the study found. Half (51 percent) of Americans who are less affluent - those earning less than
"Financial issues are not only a significant problem for many people personally, they may have a big impact on employers who may face increasing costs for health care, disability leave and lost productivity," Hassara said. "There is an overwhelming need for more education about personal financial issues and resources to help workers better manage their financial lives."
Biggest Worries, Fears
Those surveyed indicated concerns about a wide range of financial issues, including lack of preparation for retirement, struggling to make ends meet, and potential changes in the healthcare system. Many expressed a need for more education about retirement savings and personal financial management. Eight in 10 respondents earning less than
Overall, what do Middle Americans most "fear"? Survey respondents ranked their top "fears" as an illness to themselves or a family member (67 percent), a financial emergency or major expense (65 percent), a downturn in the stock market (43 percent), a terrorist attack (38 percent), a natural disaster (32 percent), or a burglary or home invasion (32 percent). Percentages represent being "very afraid" or "somewhat afraid".
Debt and Savings
Debt is the biggest single financial issue facing Middle America. Overall, 22 percent of respondents cited debt as their top financial problem with more millennials and Generation Xers saying the same, the study found. As Middle Americans age, respondents reported, healthcare costs rise in importance, becoming the No. 1 concern for baby boomers.
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