Media Release: Financial Worries Rise and Match Health Concerns as Cost-of-Living Pressures Mount in 2026

July 6, 2026 - 15:14

MUNICH, July 06, 2026 -- The rising cost of living is reshaping how households view their future, with financial anxiety now matching health as the top global concern. New consumer surveys from ten countries show that 48% of people rank finances as their biggest worry, tying with health for the first time. Concerns about the future follow closely at 35%.

The findings come from a report based on surveys of thousands of households. Researchers found that people are not just worried about paying bills today. They are also changing their long-term plans. Many are delaying major purchases, cutting back on non-essential spending, and rethinking retirement timelines.

The pressure is most visible in middle-income families, who report feeling squeezed between stagnant wages and rising costs for housing, food, and energy. Younger adults, especially those under 35, show the highest levels of financial stress. They worry about job security and their ability to save for a home or start a family.

The report also notes that the link between money and mental health is becoming harder to ignore. People who report high financial stress are more likely to say their physical health has suffered. This creates a cycle where money problems lead to health problems, which then create more financial strain.

Experts say the data signals a shift in public mood. For years, health topped the list of worries, especially after the pandemic. Now, the cost of living has pulled even. The report warns that if prices keep rising, financial worries could soon become the dominant concern for most households.