These findings come from Money and Meaning: Understanding Financial Fulfillment and are based on a nationally representative Gallup survey of 5,075 U.S. adults age 21 and older, fielded March 20 to April 6, 2026. Edward Jones commissioned this research to examine how financial fulfillment is defined and measured and its relationship with confidence, wellbeing, and long-term financial progress.

Based on how Americans answered a series of 37 questions, three key groups emerged: Those who are financially fulfilled, financially stressed or financially conflicted – meaning neither confident nor in crisis.

What is financial fulfillment

Financial fulfillment, as defined in the study, is a state in which financial resources feel aligned with a person's deepest values and highest aspirations. It reflects not only financial security, but also whether money creates a sense of freedom, confidence and forward momentum in one's life rather than ongoing strain.

"Financial stress isn't limited to people in crisis – it's affecting millions who appear stable but don't feel secure or fulfilled," said Penny Pennington, Managing Partner, Edward Jones. "That gap between money and meaning is where real progress can be made. Helping people close it is essential to building long-term confidence, resilience and opportunity."

The emotional side of financial life

The research found that financial fulfillment is not about wealth alone. It's personal and achievable at any income level, but far more likely once people are financially secure. Gratitude is the most experienced financial emotion among all U.S. survey respondents, with 63% reporting they have felt it often or always in the last 30 days, nearly double the rate of joy, peace, or contentment. At the same time, many Americans report negative emotions tied to money, with stress most common, followed by anger and depression.

Separately, when respondents were asked what they do with their money that brings them joy, their answers centered on experiences, relationships and generosity.

• Travel, hobbies and experiences (41%)
  
  
• Togetherness and shared meals (26%)
  
  
• Giving, helping and caring (19%)

Illustrative quotes from survey respondents:

"Family outings, whether that be just to get some ice cream or a full vacation." - 31-year-old.

"Being able to take my grandkids on vacation every year." - 70-year-old

"Help friends and family that haven't been as fortunate financially." - 60-year-old

"Giving things to others or helping those in need" - 58-year-old

How financial fulfillment impacts health and wellbeing

Among the financially stressed, 52% say their finances "often" or "always" control their lives, compared with 18% of the conflicted and just 2% of the fulfilled. People who report feeling financially fulfilled report better relationships, stronger physical and mental health, and a greater sense of community, regardless of their income level.

"For the fifth consecutive year, Gallup trends show that more Americans say their finances are getting worse, not better. This new research makes clear that the strain is not just financial – it is showing up in people's health, their relationships, and their sense of control over their own lives" said Jon Clifton, CEO, Gallup. "Half of American adults sit in a financial middle ground: not in crisis, but not secure. Understanding financial wellbeing only through income and wealth data is not enough. If we want to help Americans navigate growing financial pressure, we need to measure what is actually happening to people as well."

The financially stressed are also twice as likely as financially fulfilled adults to report having to cover a large, unexpected expense in the past year (53% vs. 21%) and far more likely to report a significant decline in wealth or net worth (44% vs 4%). The financially stressed tend to focus on reducing debt and increasing income as they work toward greater financial stability.

How to improve financial fulfillment

For those looking to move from stressed or conflicted to financially fulfilled, the research points to starting with practical steps like budgeting, saving and reducing debt. Those who feel fulfilled are also far more likely to contribute to causes that matter to them. Additionally, those who have sought advice from a financial advisor in the past year are significantly more likely to be financially fulfilled (32% versus 12%), and they say focusing on relationships, shared experiences, gratitude and open conversations about money help connect finances to what matters most in life.

"What our financial advisors see and hear from our clients every day is reflected clearly in this research: millions of people feel stuck in the middle, not in crisis, but not fully confident either," said Pennington. "That's where personalized advice matters most. By listening closely, building clear plans and focusing on trusted relationships, our advisors play a critical role in turning uncertainty into action and progress."

As part of its commitment to help more people on their journey to living a financially fulfilled life, Edward Jones has set enterprise goals to serve 10 million households, care for $4 trillion in assets, and help 80% of engaged clients improve their financial fulfillment by 2030.

To learn more about this research visit www.edwardjones.com/gallup.