A recent survey conducted by Credit Karma has gathered responses from Americans regarding their primary financial regrets in 2025, reflecting the current high cost of living in the United States.
Close to 50% of Americans state that their financial situation deteriorated over the past year, with 28% citing unexpected expenses as a major budget disruptor. The survey identified the top three financial regrets: 38% of respondents regretted not saving enough, 28% cited impulse spending, and 21% pointed to excessive high-interest credit card debt.
Despite these challenges, 45% of those surveyed expressed optimism about improving their finances in 2026 and achieving their financial goals.
The survey noted that 20% of Americans reported falling behind on payments such as mortgages and credit cards, while 19% struggled to afford basic necessities like groceries. Most consumers, 67%, attributed their budget difficulties in 2025 to rising costs and broader macroeconomic factors.
Economic conditions in 2025 presented multiple hurdles. Tariffs introduced early in the year contributed to market uncertainty and chaos. According to the Tax Foundation, the effective tariff rate on imported goods reached 11.2%, adding strain to budgets already pressured by inflation.
Inflation rates remained around 3% for much of 2025, building on price increases since 2020. High interest rates on personal loans, credit cards, and mortgages have persisted, despite modest reductions by the Federal Reserve.
Poor spending habits also impacted budgets. A 2024 Bankrate survey found that many Americans engage in "doom spending," or stress-induced impulsive purchases. Nearly half of credit card holders carried balances monthly, and 38% were willing to incur debt for discretionary spending.