Here is why more than half of Americans feel ‘financially frozen’: study

Half of Americans feel “financially frozen”, according to new research.

A study that examines the financial behavior and strategies of 2,000 Americans found that 53% of responses feel stuck, overloaded or unsafe about what they should do when it comes to their finances.

Answers said their biggest financial concerns are paying the needs (36%) and containing a monthly budget (36%).

Moreover, many worry about long -term financial security. Almost a quarter (22%) are concerned about their savings strategy, while others said that a pension stressful sense (21%), loans and debt pay (20%) and investments (9%).

The survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Zoe Financial showed that one main reason people feel “financially frozen” is the large amount of information online and social media.

The response reported to feel more powerless when navigating inflation and living cost (25%), investment (24%) and budgeting and savings strategies (23%).

This lack of faith manifests itself in repentance below the line. Three in four (77%) said they wanted them to have done things different in the past that could have made their financial future better.

Zones that respondents want them to have taken more actions in savings strategies (55%), containing a stricter monthly budget (41%) and investments (38%).

“It can be challenging to navigate an ever-changing world with financial confidence,” said Andres Garcia-Mamaya, CFA, founder and CEO of Financial Zoe. “Finding the tips you can always trust easily, but with the right help, people can feel more in controlling their financial journey.”

While 83% say they would like to prepare better financially, more than half (53%) do not know where to start or worry that they have long waited to seek financial advice to make a real change in their future.

The average person surveyed said they did not take the pension planning seriously by the age of 38, despite believed the ideal time to take seriously about it is 29.

The good news is that younger generations are taking steps to prepare for their financial future early. Gen Z respondents actively start planning for retirement at the age of 25, compared to millennia at the age of 34. Both are earlier than the older generations: Gen X did not start until the age of 38, while children’s booms waited until the age of 43.

Only 26% of respondents said they have a financial advisor. For those who do not have one, the biggest blocker for hiring one is a misunderstanding that financial advice and success are just for the rich.

Thirty -nine percent of those who did not consider finding a financial advisor believe they cannot afford it, while 24% think they do not have enough money for it to be needed (24%).

Other concerns quoted by participants feared that to be deceived (19%) and misinformed beliefs that financial advisers (39%) and custom portfolio strategies (48%) are only for wealthy people.

“Finances are deeply personal and often exciting, so many people will blindly trust technology with their financial future,” Garciaaaa added. “People still think that financial advice and investment management are only for the wealthy, which can discourage them to seek guidance. To take the first step towards financial trust and long -term success.”

As it becomes more spread, a truth remains in the financial industry: people still value human touch and are not read to give up. Thirty -seven percent said they would feel uncomfortable by relying solely on him -driven tools to help in their finances, preferring real people. Most respondents consider man’s financial advisers more reliable (58%), understandable (50%) and effective (47%) than the means driven by him.

When asked to list about financially personal, the answers said they do not trust new technology, concerned about how sensitive data would be stored and used, and are not sure how to use it effectively.

Higher areas Americans say they have no financial knowledge

• Inflation and cost of living adjustments (25%)
• Investment (24%)
• Budgeting and Savings (23%)
• Pension Planning (22%)
• Debt Management (18%)
• Social Security (17%)
• Tax Planning (16%)
• Assets Planning (15%)
• Health care and insurance (15%)
• Home Ownership (12%)

Survey Methodology:

Talker’s research surveyed 2,000 Americans; The survey was ordered by Financial Zoe and was administered and carried out online by Talker Research between February. 13 –18, 2025.