'It Has Taken a Devastating Toll'
Newsweek Europe|July 12 - 19, 2024 (Double Issue)
Financial insecurity is causing a mental health crisis, with nearly two-thirds of Americans saying money matters cause them the most stress
GIULIA CARBONARO
'It Has Taken a Devastating Toll'

STEPHANIE AND PAUL LITTLETON AREN'T LIVING the life they had imagined for themselves. Ten years ago, they moved from their native California to Texas chasing better work opportunitiesand they found them. Paul, 49, works as an estimator and project manager for a construction company; Stephanie, 48, works in trust administration.

They're now making more money than ever but, after years of high inflation, they find themselves living paycheck to paycheck, while helping their kids to pay off debt and save enough money to step on the coveted property ladder.

As they both approach the age of 50, the Littletons say they are now in the same financial situation as when they got married in their 20s.

"It feels terrible," Stephanie told Newsweek. "The only difference is that the bills are bigger."

"We are helping our oldest daughter with student loans, and our youngest daughter and her boyfriend live with us because they can't find anywhere else affordable to live," she said. "It has taken a devastating toll on our mental health and our relationships."

The Littletons are far from being the only family experiencing this type of financial stress. Financial insecurity is degrading Americans' mental health according to a recent study by MarketWatch Guides shared exclusively with Newsweek.

Even though inflation has eased considerably compared to its June 2022 peak, nearly half (47 percent) of respondents to a survey conducted by the financial news and market data company said that 2024 has been the most stressful year of their lives, money-wise.

'Financial Fatique'

Eighty-eight percent of respondents said they feel some level of financial stress, and 65 percent said their finances are the biggest source of stress, which is having a significant negative impact on Americans' mental health.

Bu hikaye Newsweek Europe dergisinin July 12 - 19, 2024 (Double Issue) sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Newsweek Europe dergisinin July 12 - 19, 2024 (Double Issue) sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

NEWSWEEK EUROPE DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
The Next Phase of War
Newsweek Europe

The Next Phase of War

After thousands of elite soldiers from North Korea joined Vladimir Putin’s forces against Ukraine, how has this latest move affected the conflict?

time-read
6 dak  |
November 29, 2024
Hey, Don't Be So SAD
Newsweek Europe

Hey, Don't Be So SAD

Seasonal affective disorder affects millions of people. Here’s how you can prep your body and mind for darker days

time-read
5 dak  |
November 29, 2024
America's Best CONTINUING CARE
Newsweek Europe

America's Best CONTINUING CARE

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, RESTAURANTstyle dining, unlimited pickleball-an impressive number of amenities are becoming standard at Continuing Care Retirement Communities.

time-read
4 dak  |
November 29, 2024
NEW WORLD ORDER
Newsweek Europe

NEW WORLD ORDER

HOW LEADERS ACROSS THE GLOBE ARE REACTING TO DONALD TRUMP'S REELECTION AS U.S. PRESIDENT

time-read
10+ dak  |
November 29, 2024
My Fight for Equality and Justice
Newsweek Europe

My Fight for Equality and Justice

It will take more than just science to end AIDS. Inclusion, empathy and compassion are essential, too

time-read
3 dak  |
November 29, 2024
Saying No to Trump and Men
Newsweek Europe

Saying No to Trump and Men

The election has led some women to boycott relationships and sex

time-read
7 dak  |
November 29, 2024
Wendi McLendon-Covey
Newsweek Europe

Wendi McLendon-Covey

AFTER 10 YEARS OF PLAYING BEVERLY GOLDBERG ON THE GOLDBERGS, Wendi McLendon-Covey was not eager for a break. \"I need to go do a job where I can just throw everything at it and then come home totally exhausted.\"

time-read
1 min  |
November 22, 2024
'I'm the Highest Earner in Esports'
Newsweek Europe

'I'm the Highest Earner in Esports'

Johan \"NOtail\" Sundstein has won over $7 million but says, \"I don't really crave that status...I play for my own reasons\"

time-read
6 dak  |
November 22, 2024
AMERICA'S BEST Weight Loss CLINICS & CENTERS 2025
Newsweek Europe

AMERICA'S BEST Weight Loss CLINICS & CENTERS 2025

WHETHER IT'S FOR MEAL PLANS, PROFESSIONAL guidance or access to medications like GLP-1s, weight loss clinics can offer personalized assistance for those hoping to make sustainable lifestyle changes.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 22, 2024
AMERICA'S MOST ANTICIPATED NEW VEHICALS - 2025
Newsweek Europe

AMERICA'S MOST ANTICIPATED NEW VEHICALS - 2025

WHETHER IT'S A NEWLY IMAGined sport utility vehicle or the re-emergence of a highly regarded halo car, the vehicles coming to market in 2025 prove that Americans' attitudes about personal transportation are diverse and are being served from all angles.

time-read
10+ dak  |
November 22, 2024