Americans would spend most of income for peace of mind

This story version has been formatted as an on-air script for broadcast outlets. See the original research story here.

HOW MUCH IS PEACE OF MIND WORTH? FOR MANY AMERICANS, ALMOST EVERYTHING.

A NEW SURVEY OF 2,000 U-S ADULTS FINDS THE AVERAGE PERSON WOULD GIVE UP ABOUT THREE-QUARTERS OF THEIR YEARLY INCOME FOR A GREATER SENSE OF SECURITY.

TOP PRIORITIES INCLUDE NEVER WORRYING ABOUT AFFORDING GROCERIES, KEEPING THEIR JOB OR AVOIDING MAJOR MEDICAL BILLS.

THE STUDY, CONDUCTED BY TALKER RESEARCH, ALSO FOUND MANY AMERICANS FEEL PEACE OF MIND IS HARDER TO ACHIEVE TODAY THAN IT WAS JUST A FEW YEARS AGO.

WITH FINANCIAL ANXIETY RUNNING HIGH, THE FINDINGS HIGHLIGHT JUST HOW DEEPLY PEOPLE ARE CRAVING STABILITY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES.

SO WHAT ABOUT YOU? WHAT WOULD PEACE OF MIND BE WORTH TO YOU? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU.

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans who have access to the internet; the survey was administered and conducted online by Talker Research between March 5 and March 8, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.