Two out of every three Americans say tariff-driven inflation is negatively impacting their mental health, according to a new survey by Debt.com. The findings draw a clear connection between financial stress and emotional strain, particularly as inflation, student loan collections, and credit card reliance converge to deepen consumers’ anxiety. “Inflation is more than an economic issue — it’s a mental health issue,” said Howard Dvorkin, CPA and chairman of Debt.com.
Why it matters: The survey, which was conducted during Mental Health Awareness Month, reveals how rising costs like those linked to tariffs and everyday debt are shaping consumer behavior in ways that professionals in the credit and collection industry must understand to better engage with borrowers.
The big picture:
📈 Tariff-related stress:
- 66% say tariffs on imports have harmed their mental health.
- 75% feel stressed, 74% anxious, 33% hopeless.
- 23% say the stress affects their focus at work.
💳 Credit card use and mental health:
- 71% believe credit card convenience can negatively impact mental health.
- 43% feel stressed after swiping, 31% feel guilty, 25% have applied for a new card while feeling sad or stressed.
- Credit card-related stress has jumped 22 percentage points in just four years.
📉 Student loan pressure:
- 23% have defaulted federal student loans and 88% fear wage or benefit garnishments.
- 1 in 4 borrowers in default owe more than $50,000.
- Nearly 32% haven’t prepared for the resumption of collections.
Between the lines:
