The vast majority of UK adults would prefer financial peace of mind to unlimited wealth, as money worries take a serious toll on mental health.
The research, conducted by credit-building platform Loqbox, reveals that 84 per cent of people would rather feel financially calm and in control than be endlessly rich but stressed. The findings have been released to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month and paint a stark picture of how money and mental wellbeing are closely linked.
According to the nationally representative survey of 600 UK adults, nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) of respondents reported losing sleep due to financial concerns. Over half (51 per cent) said they feel persistent anxiety related to their finances, while a third (33 per cent) experience frustration, and 30 per cent report feeling overwhelmed when thinking about money.
While financial success is often seen as a life goal, the emotional costs of financial insecurity are becoming harder to ignore.
“Money without calm isn’t wealth – it’s weight,” said Tom Eyre, co-CEO and co-founder of Loqbox. “We chase success in pounds, but it’s peace that people are really after. Managing money well isn’t about giving up ambition – it’s about protecting your mental health.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that financial health is mental health. Losing sleep and feeling anxious or overwhelmed about money is the everyday reality for millions of people. But building small, manageable habits around money can make a real difference.
“When we feel more in control of our finances, we sleep better, stress less, and feel more confident about the future. That’s a form of wealth we don’t talk about enough.”
Addressing stress.
The research also highlights generational differences in attitudes. While most people prioritised peace of mind, 22 per cent of Gen Z respondents said they would choose wealth, even if it came at the cost of their mental wellbeing.
David Yadush, a licensed professional counsellor at BetterHelp, an online therapy platform, said this is not surprising given the emotional complexity surrounding money.
“Our relationship with money is often complex and emotionally charged, as well as being intimately tied to our sense of safety, identity, and self-worth,” said Yadush. “Unlike other forms of stress or anxiety, financial anxiety can feel relentless because it touches the most essential aspects of our lives and carries significant emotional weight.
“Linked to feelings of shame, pride, fear, and even love, money remains a taboo topic that means conversations about financial stresses are avoided. In therapy, I find that once the topic is opened, there’s often a sense of relief, like a weight has been lifted.
Yadush encourages people to start small when addressing financial stress.
“For those who are struggling, I would advise you to start by getting curious, not critical, about your finances. Take five minutes to look at one small piece of your financial picture, such as your monthly statement, a recent purchase, or a recent bill, and approach it with gentle awareness.
“When people feel secure and empowered in their finances, they sleep better, experience less anxiety, and have more bandwidth for relationships and joy. The reality is that finances aren’t always within our control, so it’s vital to focus on what we can do, seeking support without shame, and taking care of our mental health along the way.”
