Debt.com Survey Finds 78% of Americans Carry Financial Regret Amid Credit Card Debt and Money Worries

New national findings point to growing reliance on multiple credit cards, widespread retirement anxiety, and a surprising shift in which generations feel the most financial stress.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. /PRNewswire/ -- Financial regret has become a widespread issue across the country. In a new survey from Debt.com, nearly 8 in 10 Americans (78%) said they have at least one major money regret, and for many, that concern is never far from mind.

Beyond the usual pressure of higher everyday expenses, the survey highlights a deeper problem: many consumers are leaning on high-interest credit cards to get by, while others say they are entering retirement with too little saved.

Highlights from the Debt.com Financial Regret Survey include:

• Credit card dependence keeps growing: For the second year in a row, spending too much on credit cards ranked as the top financial regret in the U.S., rising to 24% from 21%.
• More people are juggling multiple cards: The share of regretful consumers carrying six or more credit cards climbed to 16%, up from 10% in earlier benchmarks.
• Debt is a constant source of stress: More than one-third (37%) of people who regret their credit card use said the debt is always on their mind, while another 32% think about it several times a week.
• Retirement savings remain a major blind spot: Among those regretting not saving for retirement, 1 in 5 (20%) said they have not saved a single dollar. Baby Boomers reported the highest regret, at 48%, for not starting earlier.

“When people are juggling six different credit cards and carrying balances month after month, they aren’t managing money — they’re reacting to a crisis,” said Howard Dvorkin, CPA, chairman of Debt.com. “People are relying on plastic as a lifeline to absorb inflation and rising living costs. But you cannot outsmart high interest rates. When over a third of consumers say their credit card debt is constantly on their mind, we aren’t just looking at a balance sheet problem; we’re looking at an exhaustion crisis.”

More consumer findings at a glance:

• Among respondents who regret their credit card use, most carry sizable balances: 40% owe between $5,000 and $15,000, and 22% owe between $15,001 and $30,000.
• Regret over student loans has eased at the highest borrowing levels, with only 4% owing $100,000 to $200,000. At the same time, regret has increased among moderate borrowers, with nearly 4 in 10 (39%) regretting loans of $25,000 to $50,000.
• For Millennials, homeownership can be a mixed experience. While some regret missing out, 9% regret buying a home at all, mainly because of unexpected maintenance and repairs (57%) and high interest rates (43%).

Debt.com’s four steps to reduce financial regret

• Review every card: With more consumers carrying multiple cards, stop using the ones you are trying to pay down. List each card, its balance, and its interest rate to decide which debt to tackle first.
• Address the mental strain: Constant worry can signal burnout. Shift from a month-to-month survival mindset to a clear recovery plan.
• Get professional help: Reach out to a certified financial professional to explore structured options that can help put finances back on track.
• Create a small emergency cushion: Since many credit card problems begin with unexpected expenses, even a modest buffer can help cover minor car repairs or medical bills without turning back to high-interest debt.

For the full survey results, generational breakdowns and methodology, visit Debt.com's Financial Regrets Survey.

About Debt.com: Debt.com is a trusted resource for consumers seeking help with credit card debt, student loans, tax debt, credit repair and more. By connecting people with vetted financial professionals and educational tools, Debt.com helps Americans make informed debt relief and money decisions and regain control of their finances.