Part-Time Job: Americans Spend 4 Hours Daily Worrying About Money

Americans Spend Nearly Four Hours a Day Thinking About Money

Money is a constant presence in the minds of many Americans. According to new research from Empower, a financial services company, people spend an average of four hours a day thinking about money. That’s equivalent to a part-time job, according to Rebecca Rickert, head of communications and consumer insights at Empower. The survey, which included 2,206 adults, highlights how financial concerns are increasingly dominating daily life.

The findings show that 54% of respondents believe they’re thinking about money more than they did last year. In fact, 53% of Americans say they feel financial stress more acutely than ever before. This sentiment is especially strong among Gen Xers, with 62% reporting heightened stress, and baby boomers, with 41% feeling the same.

With banking and investment apps just a tap away on smartphones, 17% of Americans check their financial accounts multiple times a day, while 24% check them daily. Younger generations are more likely to engage in frequent monitoring: 24% of Gen Zers and 21% of millennials check their accounts several times a day, compared to only 10% of baby boomers.

“People are checking their accounts like they check the weather,” Rickert said.

What Are Americans Thinking About?

The top concerns for most Americans are bills, inflation, and rising prices. A majority—57%—report thinking about upcoming or due payments, while 51% are focused on inflation and increasing costs. Other key worries include housing costs (34%), debt (30%), tariffs (28%), and retirement savings (24%).

Lisa Frison, head of financial inclusion at Citi, noted that people are facing more financial pressure as they deal with external factors like market uncertainty while managing multiple priorities such as debt, everyday expenses, and savings.

For younger generations, housing costs, job security, and debt are major concerns. Older generations, on the other hand, are more focused on retirement savings and emergency funds.

Time Spent Worrying Varies by Generation

The amount of time spent thinking about money differs across generations. Gen Z spends the most time, averaging 4.82 hours per day, followed closely by millennials at 4.73 hours. Gen Xers and baby boomers think about money less frequently, averaging 3.74 and 2.4 hours per day, respectively.

Jack Howard, head of financial wellness at Ally Financial, explained that Gen Zers have grown up with more access to information through the internet and social media. “They're comparing themselves against the world,” he said. While this can be beneficial for financial awareness, it may also lead to anxiety.

When Do Americans Think About Money?

Financial worries don’t just affect nighttime sleep. Thirty-six percent of Americans report losing sleep over their financial concerns. Millennials are most affected, with 44% saying money worries keep them up at night, compared to 24% of baby boomers.

Financial stress also impacts daytime productivity. Thirty-eight percent of respondents said their financial worries interfere with their ability to focus, and many reported strain on their relationships.

Gen Zers tend to think about money between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., while millennials and Gen Xers often worry about finances between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Is Financial Stress Motivating?

Despite the stress, nearly half of Americans say thinking about money helps them take action toward long-term goals. 47% feel confident they’ll reach those goals, while 30% remain neutral. Many seek financial advice and information, with more than half following financial news and researching topics like inflation, budgeting, and saving.

A third of respondents said talking with a financial adviser helped clarify their goals. However, Lisa Frison warns against ruminating over past mistakes or missed opportunities, which can lead to frustration rather than solutions.

“It's unhelpful when thinking about money becomes an infinite loop,” she said. “The key is to shift from stress to structure, even with one small move.”

What Eases Financial Pressure?

When asked what would ease their money worries, nearly half of respondents said a higher income would help, and 45% wished for lower living expenses. Others cited broader economic improvements (29%), debt elimination (28%), and larger emergency funds (24%).

Frison recommends starting with a personal financial audit, building small habits over time, and seeking help from friends, family, or professionals.

“When people are in a silo on these things, it makes it difficult to take action,” Howard said. “That’s where the shame comes in.”

She and Rickert emphasize the importance of moving from passive worrying to taking action, whether it’s paying down debt or contributing to a 401(k). By shifting from stress to structured steps, individuals can improve their financial situation and reduce anxiety.