A new Yahoo Finance/Marist poll reveals financial pressures on many Americans, with 45% saying the cost of living in the community uncontrollable, with one in three reporting it has worsened over the past year.
A poll conducted among 2,575 US adults between June 13 and 17 found that 55% of respondents believe that local living costs are affordable, and younger generations are more optimistic than older Americans. ZZ and millennials were more likely to describe their area as “very affordable” than baby boomers. Men were more likely to say that their cost of living was easier to manage than women.
Tension personal finances
Financial set-offs were most commonly reported among low-income households and older generations. 27% said their finances have improved over the past year, while 33% said they have worsened, while 40% reported no change. Almost half (47%) of households earning less than $50,000 a year reporting financial deterioration compared to 27% of higher earners.
Savings and budget challenges
Americans are divided with satisfaction in their savings. Only 25% said they were either fully or very satisfied with their financial preparations, while 31% expressed strong dissatisfaction. People in low-income households were three times more likely to be totally dissatisfied than higher-earners.
Regarding monthly budgets, 45% reported that their income was roughly consistent, 29% reported that their expenses exceeded their income, and 27% reported that their income consistently exceeded their expenses. Of households earning less than $50,000, 42% said their expenses exceeded their income.
Addressing economic shortages
If expenses exceed income, 41% said they cut their spending, 26% were immersed in savings, 23% said they would use credit cards and 10% would borrow money. Low-income households were more likely to reduce their spending than using credit or savings.
Credit scores and financial decisions
Credit scores take into account the financial decisions of 44% of Americans over the past year, and millennials are most likely to report this. 42% said their scores helped them achieve their financial goals, while 19% said they undermined their ability to do so. Low-income respondents were more than twice as likely to have a higher earner than a disability in credit score.
Most Americans (78%) knew their credit scores, and 72% said they had a good understanding of how spending and savings affects it. Knowledge levels were high among men and those with income above $50,000.
Recognition of net worth that many people lack
More than four in ten Americans are unsure of or unknown what net worth is defined by total assets excluding net worth. The perception is highest among senior and high-income respondents, with 68% saying they earn more than $50,000 and knowing their net worth compared to 39% of low earnings.
The error margin for the survey is ±2.1% points.
In Florida, SmartAsset data shows that not only one adult is needed, but it also needs nearly $97,400 a year to provide hobbies, vacations, emergency situations and retirement savings. A family of four costs around $217,650. In contrast, the median revenue is very underdeveloped. Single adults are around $65,800 and four households average $107,700 are valued on the substantial affordability gap.
Florida’s housing market is beginning to cool down after a surge in pandemic Era. From June 2024 to June 2025, the statewide median home sales price fell from $427,000 to $412,000, with inventory rising 24%.
However, in Miami, affordability continues to erode. The city recorded a 59% registration rate in June.
Insurance premiums will continue to bear the burden
Florida homeowner premiums are the highest in the US, tripling in recent years due to hurricane risks and climate pressures. These high costs create even more tension in home finances, especially in disaster-related areas.
The tenant hit a gorgeous build-out hard
A Harvard University survey found that rental units in Florida have fallen by nearly 60% for prices below $1,000 a month over the past decade, pushing them out by the luxury apartment boom.
Targeted tax mitigation offers some relief
The new 2025-26 Florida budget includes a $2 billion tax exemption, which will permanently exempt sales tax for hurricane-related products and school backer items, and introduces “Second Amendment” tax holidays for camping equipment from September until the end of the year.
Summary table
Florida’s financial dynamics reflect the broader national distress, but also includes state-specific pressures, from rising insurance and housing costs to affordable rental erosion. While tax incentives could provide temporary relief, many Floridians, particularly low-income households, are facing financial difficulties.
Let us know if you want to add local estimates, city-level breakdowns, or if you’d like to dig deeper into how generation and income differences unfold across Florida.
