Holiday Costs Are Stressing Americans, and 59% Want Cash Over Any Other Gift
PR Newswire•10/11/2026•09:01 ET
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Key Highlights
- ➤7 in 10 Americans worry about money this holiday season
- ➤Nearly 1 in 5 Americans expect holiday credit-card debt
- ➤59% of Americans prefer cash over a gift someone else chose
- ➤Texas ranks as the state facing the most holiday financial strain
- ➤1 in 4 millennials expect to spend at least $1,000 on gifts
Expert Statements
Rudri Patel, NACCC-Certified Financial Health Counselor at MoneyLion
“People often feel they have to spend more than they can afford during the holidays, but what many people value is simplicity. Our survey found 59% would rather have cash. That's why it's important to talk openly about budgets, agree on gift preferences, and always plan for surprise expenses, so you can enjoy the season without carrying debt into the new year.”
Holiday Costs Are Stressing Americans, and 59% Want Cash Over Any Other Gift PR Newswire
MoneyLion's new survey reveals most Americans are worried about holiday costs this season, and they value the simplest gift over everything else: cash.
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