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Consumer Sentiment · Financial Fulfillment · Financial Stress · Wealth Management
Edward Jones and Gallup's new national study, "Money and Meaning: Understanding Financial Fulfillment," reveals that 83% of U.S. adults, approximately 216 million people, experience financial stress, strain, or uncertainty, with only 16% feeling financially fulfilled, despite fulfillment being attainable.
The study, based on a Gallup survey of 5,075 U.S. adults from March 20 to April 6, 2026, categorizes individuals into financially fulfilled, stressed, or conflicted groups, with 51% falling into the conflicted middle ground. Financial fulfillment is defined as aligning resources with values and aspirations, providing freedom and confidence, not just wealth.
Penny Pennington, Managing Partner at Edward Jones, stated that financial stress affects millions who appear stable but lack security. Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, noted that financial strain impacts health, relationships, and control, with 52% of stressed individuals feeling their finances control their lives, compared to 2% of the fulfilled.
The research indicates that seeking advice from a financial advisor significantly increases the likelihood of financial fulfillment (32% vs. 12% among stressed adults).
Edward Jones aims to serve 10 million households and help 80% of engaged clients improve financial fulfillment by 2030.
