Financial Wellness Month Brings Wake-Up Call for New Money Mindset

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, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 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."

The Call for a New Money Mindset to Kick-Off January's Financial Wellness Month 

As Financial Wellness Month begins, Beyond Finance is encouraging people to rethink what progress really looks like, shifting away from ineffective resolutions and toward a more holistic, values-driven approach that prioritizes mental, emotional, and financial well-being together.

By starting with self-awareness instead of self-criticism, consumers can better understand where their financial values come from and establish goals and behaviors that feel supportive rather than restrictive.

To help, Dr. Rasure shares suggestions from her Beyond Finance client coaching sessions. Here are a few tips to start exploring the core values that matter to you and help discover your personal money story:

• Think about what you've been taught. Take a moment to reflect on what you learned about money growing up. Write down those beliefs and see how they might be affecting your financial habits today.
• Check in with your current values. Ask yourself if what you learned still aligns with who you want to be today. Identify what matters most to you right now.
• Be open to change. If the beliefs you grew up with don't match your values today, it's okay to adjust them. It may take time, but making choices that feel true to you can help ease guilt or stress.

To examine your money mindset further, explore a free checklist and tips guide from Beyond Finance. 

Explore more key findings from the Beyond Finance survey.

Since 2011, Beyond Finance has helped over 1 million people, resulting in more than $3 billion in client debt being paid off. Through personalized debt consolidation plans, free financial therapy sessions, and innovative tools, the company equips clients to break the cycle of debt, create healthier financial habits, and achieve lasting financial freedom.

This survey was commissioned by Beyond Finance and conducted by QuestionPro, a third-party research company, from December 12 – 15 with a sample of 2,000 Americans. Full research findings are available upon request.

About Beyond Finance

Beyond Finance, LLC, is the nation's largest debt consolidation company. In its commitment to providing clients with a personalized approach to move beyond debt, Beyond Finance provides simple and transparent solutions that help consumers lower their eligible monthly payments, reduce the impact of interest, and reach a debt-free life sooner. Beyond Finance holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded with multiple recognitions for its commitment to clients: Organization of the Year – The Business Intelligence Group's Excellence in Customer Service Award, Gold Stevie Award for Outstanding Customer Service Department, Banking Tech Award – Financial Wellness Champion, Best In Biz Gold Award for top Customer Service Team, and 3 ConsumerAffairs' "Buyer's Choice Awards." Beyond Finance has offices in Chicago, Atlanta, and Houston. For more information, visit BeyondFinance.com

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SOURCE Beyond Finance