Multiple recent and reliable surveys consistently show that more Americans report being financially worse off than better off compared to a year ago.
True
More people are financially worse off than a year ago than better off.
More Americans now say personal finances will be worse a year from now - Pew Research Center
Source: pewresearch.org
At a glance
Verified September 22, 2025Key Evidence
Money.com states 50% say they are worse off financially now versus 35% better off.
Gallup polls confirm a majority or near-majority feel worse off compared to last year.
CNBC reports two-thirds of workers feel financially worse due to inflation. These independent sources align in showing a net negative financial sentiment year-over-year.
The reporting
What the Evidence Shows
A range of independent surveys and reports from reputable sources including Pew Research Center, Gallup, CNBC, The Hill, and Money.com indicate a clear trend: a larger share of Americans feel financially worse off now than they did one year prior. For example, Money.com reports that 50% of Americans say they are worse off financially now compared to a year ago, while only 35% say they are better off.
Gallup polling data similarly shows that the majority or near-majority of Americans report worsened financial conditions relative to the previous year. CNBC's 2022 report found that about two-thirds of American workers felt worse off due to inflation. The Hill also notes a record share of Americans reporting financial decline year-over-year.
Although some variation exists in exact percentages depending on the survey and timing, the overall consensus is consistent: more people feel financially worse off than better off compared to a year ago. This trend is linked to factors such as inflation, cost of living increases, and economic uncertainty despite some measures of wealth growth.
Primary trail
Verified Sources10
Open source