Higher-Income Americans More Likely to Tie Financial Struggles to Lack of Understanding

Survey Explores Roles of Financial Literacy, Education, and Income in Economic Mobility

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:27pm

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An abstract illustration using bold geometric shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the complex relationship between income, education, and financial literacy as factors in economic mobility.A visual representation of how income, education, and financial literacy intersect to impact economic mobility.Colorado Springs Today

A new survey by Junior Achievement USA and Ipsos shows that Americans with household incomes of $100,000 or more are more likely to attribute their financial struggles to a lack of financial understanding (31%) compared to those making less than $50,000 (23%). The survey also found that nearly half of college graduates describe themselves as "financially stable" versus less than a quarter of those with only a high school diploma.

Why it matters

This research highlights the complex relationship between income, education, and financial literacy in achieving economic mobility. While higher educational attainment is linked to greater financial stability, the survey suggests that financial education may also play a key role in helping people of all income levels better manage their money and improve their economic standing.

The details

The survey of 1,005 U.S. adults found that over a third (35%) of those making $50,000 or less say their income isn't enough to cover expenses, even with careful budgeting, compared to just 11% of those with household incomes of $100,000 or more. On the education front, nearly half of college graduates (46%) describe themselves as "financially stable" versus less than a quarter (23%) of those with only a high school diploma or GED.

  • The survey was conducted between March 24-25, 2026.

The players

Junior Achievement USA

A non-profit organization that provides financial literacy and career readiness education to students.

Ipsos

A global market research and polling firm that conducted the survey in partnership with Junior Achievement.

Jack Harris

The CEO of Junior Achievement USA.

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What they’re saying

“This research shows that financial literacy education alone may not be enough to promote economic mobility, the ability of one generation to do as well or better than those who came before.”

— Jack Harris, CEO, Junior Achievement USA

What’s next

Junior Achievement plans to place greater emphasis on promoting life experiences linked to increased economic mobility, such as mentorship, post-secondary education, and entrepreneurship, as part of its new strategic approach.

The takeaway

This survey highlights the complex interplay between income, education, and financial literacy in achieving financial stability and economic mobility. While higher educational attainment is a key factor, the findings suggest that targeted financial education may also be crucial in helping people of all income levels better manage their money and improve their economic standing.