October Health – 2025 Report

Financial Wellness in United States

The leading cause of financial wellness stress in the United States is often attributed to a lack of savings and the burden of debt, particularly student loans, credit card debt, and unexpected expenses. Economic uncertainty, rising living costs, and wage stagnation also contribute significantly to the financial stress experienced by the population. These factors can lead to anxiety and impact overall mental health, making it important for employers to provide resources such as financial wellness programs and access to supportive services, like those offered by October, to help employees manage these stressors.

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Financial Wellness Prevalence
25.83%
Affected people
14,206,500

Impact on the people of United States

Effects of Financial Wellness Stress on Health and Personal Lives

  1. Mental Health Issues

    • Increased anxiety and depression
    • Heightened stress levels leading to burnout

  2. Physical Health Problems

    • Sleep disturbances
    • Weakened immune system

  3. Relationship Strain

    • Conflicts with partners and family over finances
    • Erosion of trust and communication

  4. Workplace Performance

    • Decreased productivity and focus
    • Higher absenteeism rates

  5. Lifestyle Changes

    • Poor dietary choices due to stress
    • Sedentary behavior from lack of motivation

Addressing financial wellness through resources like Panda's digital group sessions can provide employees with tools to manage this stress effectively and improve overall mental health.

Impact on the United States Economy

Effects of High Financial Wellness Stress on an Economy

  1. Decreased Productivity
    Employees experiencing financial stress may be less focused and productive at work, leading to reduced output and efficiency.

  2. Increased Absenteeism
    Financial stress can result in higher rates of absenteeism as individuals may take time off to deal with financial issues or related stress.

  3. Healthcare Costs
    Financial stress is linked to mental health issues, which can drive up healthcare costs for businesses and the economy due to increased demand for health services.

  4. Consumer Spending Decline
    High financial stress can lead to reduced discretionary spending, negatively impacting businesses and overall economic growth.

  5. Increased Employee Turnover
    Financially stressed employees may leave their jobs for positions that offer better pay or benefits, leading to higher turnover costs for employers.

Encouraging financial wellness programs in workplaces, such as those offered by October, can mitigate these issues by providing employees with the tools they need to manage their finances effectively.

What can government do to assist?

  1. Promote Financial Education: Implement programs to educate citizens about personal finance, budgeting, and saving.

  2. Access to Financial Resources: Ensure access to affordable banking services and financial planning resources.

  3. Support for Low-Income Families: Provide subsidies, emergency funds, or financial assistance programs to help low-income families.

  4. Encourage Saving and Investment: Offer tax-advantaged savings accounts and incentives for investments in retirement and education.

  5. Workplace Financial Wellness Programs: Encourage businesses to implement financial wellness programs that provide support and resources to employees, such as those offered by October and October.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  • Provide Financial Education Programs: Offer workshops or resources on budgeting, saving, and investing to help employees manage their finances.

  • Offer Financial Counseling Services: Partner with financial advisors or services that can provide one-on-one coaching to employees who need guidance.

  • Implement Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): These can include services that address financial concerns, providing access to support and resources.

  • Flexible Benefits Options: Allow employees to customize benefits that can alleviate financial strain, such as student loan repayment assistance or health savings accounts.

  • Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Encourage practices that help employees avoid burnout, which can exacerbate financial stress, such as flexible work hours or remote work options.

Consider using October's resources and digital group sessions to support your employees in addressing financial wellness stress.