84 percent would trade unlimited wealth for peace of mind

As Mental Health Awareness Week begins, Loqbox reveals that financial stress is keeping Brits up at night—and most would trade riches for relief

Bristol, UK. 12th May 2025: New research from Loqbox, the UK’s leading credit-building business, reveals a strong link between financial stress and mental wellbeing. As the nation marks Mental Health Awareness Month, the findings highlight the emotional toll money worries are taking, with 84% of people saying they would rather have peace of mind than unlimited wealth

While financial success is often considered the ultimate life goal, the data revealing the emotional cost of money struggles tells a different story:

• 62% of people report losing sleep due to money worries
• 51% experience ongoing anxiety tied to their finances‍
• 33% feel frustrated when they think about their finances, while 30% say it leaves them feeling overwhelmed

These findings reflect wider societal trends, with research from Understanding Society showing that people with long-term mental health conditions are nine times more likely to have experienced financial hardship compared to those without such challenges. 

To dig deeper into the connection between money and mental health, we sat down with David Yadush (LPC, LPCC), a Licensed Professional Counsellor at BetterHelp, the world’s largest online therapy platform who shared his reflections: “Our relationship with money is often complex and emotionally charged, as well as being intimately tied to our sense of safety, identity, and self-worth. Unlike other forms of stress or anxiety, financial anxiety can feel relentless because it touches the most essential aspects of our lives and carries significant emotional weight. Linked to feelings of shame, pride, fear, and even love, money remains a taboo topic that means conversations about financial stresses are avoided. In therapy, I find that once the topic is opened, there’s often a sense of relief, like a weight has been lifted.

“For those who are struggling, I would advise you to start by getting curious, not critical, about your finances. Take five minutes to look at one small piece of your financial picture, such as your monthly statement, a recent purchase, or a recent bill, and approach it with gentle awareness. When people feel secure and empowered in their finances, they sleep better, experience less anxiety, and have more bandwidth for relationships and joy. The reality is that finances aren’t always within our control, so it's vital to focus on what we can do, seeking support without shame, and taking care of our mental health along the way.”

And while most are seeking calm over cash, younger people appear to be more conflicted, with 22% of Gen Z respondents saying they would still choose financial wealth—even if it came at the cost of mental peace.

Tom Eyre, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Loqbox, said: “Money without calm isn’t wealth—it’s weight. We often measure success by what’s in the bank, but our research shows that people are craving peace over pounds. That’s not about giving up financial ambition—it’s about understanding that the way we manage money deeply affects how we feel.

“Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder that financial health is mental health. Losing sleep and feeling anxious or overwhelmed about money is the everyday reality for millions of people. But building small, manageable habits around money can make a real difference. When we feel more in control of our finances, we sleep better, stress less, and feel more confident about the future. That’s a form of wealth we don’t talk about enough.”

Dani Palmer, Chief Marketing Officer of Loqbox, added: “As conversations around mental health take centre stage this May, it’s time to widen the lens and recognise that how we handle money is just as much an emotional issue as a practical one. Financial peace of mind is a form of self-care.

“The good news? Improving your financial wellbeing doesn’t mean cutting out the things you love—whether it’s a fancy coffee, a streaming subscription, or dinner with friends. Balance, not restriction, is key. You don’t have to give up the things that give you joy to feel in control. It’s about doing what makes you happy, just with intention.”

For more information about Loqbox, visit: https://www.loqbox.com/en-gb/