Nearly seven in 10 Americans earning more than $135,000 annually report feeling financially unfulfilled, according to new Gallup research commissioned by Edward Jones and reported by Fortune. The study highlights that 77% of those earning between $135,000 and $174,999 and 63% of those making over $175,000 express dissatisfaction with their financial situation despite high incomes.
The research reveals that financial stress is widespread, with about 83% of professionals—roughly 216 million Americans—experiencing financial strain or uncertainty. Ashley Agnew, a certified financial therapist at Edward Jones, explained that financial fulfillment involves more than just income and net worth; it requires a sense of security, personal alignment, and control over money. The study also found that 36% of people felt stressed about their finances in the past 30 days.
This trend underscores a growing disconnect between income levels and financial well-being amid a global cost-of-living crisis. Despite the promise of six-figure salaries bringing lifestyle luxury and financial freedom, many high earners are grappling with what experts term 'money dysmorphia'—a distorted perception of their financial reality. The findings align with a broader multi-year decline in money morale, with 55% of Americans reporting worsening finances.
The Gallup research from Edward Jones was published on July 28, 2026, providing one of the most comprehensive looks at financial stress among high earners in the United States. The data signals a shift in how financial success is perceived beyond raw income figures.