Study Half of Americans feel 'financially adrift due to uncertain economic climate

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling's 2025 Financial Literacy and Preparedness Survey indicates that 53% of U. S. adults feel financially adrift amid economic uncertainty. Nearly half of respondents feel that they are merely treading water financially, and 33% report just getting by. Concerns about political instability affect 63% of Americans, who believe it will harm their personal finances in the near future.

Many individuals are changing their attitudes toward debt, with over a third expressing comfort using credit even as recession fears loom. Total household credit card debt hit a record high of $1. 21 trillion, reflecting a reliance on credit for daily expenses. The average credit card balance is currently $11,303, with interest rates averaging 21. 91%.

A significant portion of credit cardholders carry debt month to month, impacting their financial decision-making. Experts warn that high inflation and rising interest rates pose ongoing challenges for American borrowers.