05.01.2025 By Amy Miller, AFC®

How Financial Wellness Supports Your Mental Wellbeing

When we talk about saving money, the conversation often revolves around numbers—budgets, percentages, goals. But behind every dollar saved, there’s an emotional story. In fact, your financial health and your mental health are more connected than you might realize.

 

The Weight of Financial Stress

If you’ve ever laid awake at night worrying about bills, debt, or how you'll make it to the next paycheck, you’re not alone. Financial stress is one of the leading causes of anxiety and depression in the United States. According to the American Psychological Association, 65% of adults say money is a significant source of stress.

It’s not just about having more money—it’s about having control over your money. A lack of emergency savings or ongoing financial instability can lead to chronic stress, strained relationships, and even physical health issues. The emotional toll is real and far-reaching.

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How Saving Supports Your Mental Health

The good news? Even small steps toward financial stability can have a big impact on your mental well-being. Here’s how:

  • Reduced Anxiety: Knowing you have a financial cushion—like an emergency fund—can ease daily worries and help you feel more secure in uncertain times.
  • Improved Sleep: A 2022 study found that individuals with savings are significantly less likely to experience sleep disturbances due to money concerns.
  • Better Relationships: When finances are more stable, couples and families tend to report lower levels of conflict and better communication.
  • Increased Confidence: Saving—even a small amount—can make you feel empowered and in control, boosting your self-esteem and resilience.

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Small Steps, BIG IMPACT

At America Saves, we encourage people to start where they are. Saving doesn’t require perfection or large sums. It starts with a plan. Setting a goal, automating savings, and celebrating progress—no matter how small—can change the way you feel about money.

Want to improve both your financial and emotional well-being? Here are a few ways to get started:

  • Take the America Saves Pledge. It’s a simple, free commitment to set a savings goal and receive personalized support along the way. Click here to get started.
  • Try our Spending and Savings Plan tool. Get clear on your money, make a plan, and reduce the chaos.
  • Set up automatic savings. Let technology take the stress out of saving by making it routine. Learn more here.

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Let’s Talk About It

Money is emotional. And yet, we don’t talk about that enough. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to acknowledge that building savings isn’t just a financial act—it’s a form of self-care.

Whether you’re saving for peace of mind, a major goal, or just to make it to next month without stress, you’re doing something powerful. You're not just building wealth. You’re building well-being.

So, take a breath. Take a step. And remember—financial wellness is mental wellness.

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We'd Love To Hear Your Story:

Have you experienced a shift in your mental health from building savings or reaching a financial goal? Share your Saver Story here—you could inspire someone else to take that first step.

 

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