Worried about your finances? You’re, unfortunately, far from alone. In a 2025 survey by personal finance company Achieve, more than half of respondents rated their financial situation as “poor” or “fair.” In addition, the American Psychological Association’s latest Stress in America survey found that nearly two-thirds of respondents said money was a significant source of stress.
How significant? Nearly half (45 percent) of Gen Xers and 38 percent of boomers are losing sleep over it, a recent survey from mattress company Amerisleep found.
Between rising consumer prices, swelling retirement expenses, unpredictable markets and fixed incomes that don’t stretch as far as they used to, it’s no wonder money stress is keeping so many retirees and people nearing retirement up at night. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Experts say that with the right combination of practical strategies, open communication and emotional support, you can regain a sense of control and financial peace of mind.
Face the numbers
Nearly half of Americans avoid checking their financial accounts due to stress, according to a 2025 report from Wealth Enhancement, a financial advisory firm. But sticking your head in the sand only makes things worse, says Thomas Faupl, a licensed marriage and family therapist and former certified consumer credit counselor in San Francisco.
Instead, get a complete picture of your finances by looking closely at your income, expenses, debts and assets. Zero in on what’s coming in (such as Social Security payments, pensions and withdrawals from retirement accounts) and what’s going out each month. Break expenses into needs (housing, groceries, health care, etc.) and wants (such as subscriptions, dining out and travel), then identify places where you can cut back.
Budget calculators from Quicken, Ramsey Solutions or AARP can help simplify the process. Even a simple Excel spreadsheet will do. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s clarity. Information brings relief and empowerment, says Faupl: “Knowing your situation puts you in a better position to explore resources and address it.”
Reviewing assets and liabilities annually, and income and expenditures monthly, can help ease anxiety, says Jinhee Kim, a professor of family science at the University of Maryland.