Consumers are stressed about their debt, but a new study suggests that stress has limits. Once debt reaches a certain threshold, many consumers report becoming “numb” to it, according to the results of a survey conducted by JG Wentworth.
By the numbers: The survey found that:
- Stress levels peak at 4.2 out of 5 when debt totals $75,000 to $99,000.
- Stress drops to 3.5 for debt between $100,000 and $499,000, and falls further to 2.5 for debts above $500,000.
- People with $2,500 to $4,999 in debt were more stressed (3.3/5) than those with more than half a million dollars in debt (2.5/5).
What types of debt stress people most:
- Credit cards: Highest stress, topping out at 4/5 before easing.
- Medical debt: Peaks quickly at 3.1/5 with an added $20,000.
- Auto loans: Show a steady rise, hitting 4/5 with $40,000 more in debt.
- Mortgages: Stress climbs but doesn’t show the same numbness, staying high as amounts increase.
Generational divide:
- Nearly half (48.1%) of 18–26-year-olds reported low stress levels (2/5) about their debt.
- Older respondents (43-59) were far more likely to report extreme stress, with nearly a quarter (23.2%) rating their stress a 5/5.
Daily impact:
- 47% worry about their debt every day.
- 50% avoid checking their bank statements.
- 55% feel ashamed or embarrassed about their financial situation.
The bottom line: While debt is nearly universal — 98% of respondents reported carrying some — its psychological impact varies sharply by amount, type, and age. Credit card debt continues to be the most pressing source of anxiety, while higher levels of debt beyond $100,000 appear to push many consumers into resignation rather than worry.
