A new Yahoo Finance/Marist Poll reveals that many Americans are still struggling to gain financial stability in 2025, with inflation’s effects, higher tariffs, elevated interest rates, and a tight labor market weighing heavily on household budgets.
The survey, conducted in mid-June among 2,575 adults, paints a mixed picture: while some households are managing to stay ahead, others are seeing their financial situations slip backward.
One of the most telling findings is that one in three Americans say their finances have deteriorated over the past year, a trend particularly common among lower-income households and older generations.
Nearly half of respondents describe the cost of living in their area as either “not very affordable” or “not affordable at all,” with essentials like housing, auto insurance, energy, and dining out seeing some of the steepest price increases.
Perceptions of affordability also reveal clear demographic divides. Men were more likely than women to say their local cost of living is affordable, and younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z, expressed a slightly more positive outlook compared to Gen X and baby boomers.
Income disparities are also pronounced. Among households earning under $50,000 annually, 47% reported their finances had worsened in the past year, compared to just 27% of higher earners. Gender differences were notable too — 36% of men said their finances had improved, versus only 18% of women.
Savings remain a sore spot for many. Around one-third of respondents are dissatisfied with their savings levels, and only about 1 in 10 feel completely secure about their financial cushion. Younger Americans were slightly more likely to be satisfied than older ones, while lower-income respondents were far more likely to report complete dissatisfaction.
The survey also found that nearly half of adults say their income roughly matches their expenses, while almost 30% admit their monthly expenses exceed what they earn. Gen Z appears to be under the most budgetary strain, with just 23% reporting a monthly surplus, compared to 31% of baby boomers and older generations.
When asked how they would handle expenses outpacing income, 40% of Americans said they would cut spending, and 26% would dip into savings. Lower-income households were more likely to choose spending cuts than higher earners.
Credit scores play a significant role in financial decision-making for many respondents. Most Americans (78%) know their score, but 28% admit they understand little to nothing about how their spending and saving habits impact it.
Forty-four percent said their credit score influenced at least one financial decision in the past year, with younger generations more likely to report that influence than older ones.
Lower-income respondents were more than twice as likely as higher earners to say their credit score had hurt their ability to achieve financial goals.
Net worth awareness also varies. While 58% of Americans say they know their net worth, over 4 in 10 either don’t know it or are unsure. Awareness increases with age and income, with 68% of higher earners and 66% of baby boomers reporting they know their net worth, compared to 48% of Gen Z and just 39% of households earning under $50,000.
Overall, the findings suggest that while economic conditions have improved somewhat since the peak of inflation, many households remain under financial pressure. Those with higher incomes, stronger savings cushions, and greater financial literacy tend to feel more secure, while lower-income Americans are more likely to be in survival mode. The survey also highlights the ongoing importance of financial education — particularly around budgeting, credit, and net worth tracking — as a means of helping people make informed decisions in uncertain times.