New findings from a series of consumer surveys reveal how the cumulative impact of daily living expenses is contributing to financial strain nationwide. The data, released by National Debt Relief, highlights three key pressure points: holiday spending, rising housing costs, and unexpected health care expenses related to parenting.
The data comes from surveys completed by National Debt Relief clients.
Holiday spending
The company found 78% of respondents spent less money during the holidays in 2025 — not by choice, but out of financial necessity. Even so, many still entered 2026 in a more precarious position because of debt accrued during the holiday season.
More than half (54%) said they were concerned about their holiday gift spending relative to their financial situation, and 35% borrowed to cover holiday costs. More than half (53%) said their holiday spending will negatively impact their financial wellbeing this year — affecting budgets, debt repayment plans, and financial goals.
"The issue isn't excessive spending; it's the cost of even modest holiday participation," Cathleen Bell, National Debt Relief's Vice President of Customer Research & Insights, said in a statement. "Even after cutting back, many still had to borrow, and now that debt is following them into the new year."
Housing costs
Among renters, nearly 1 in 3 (31%) moved in the last two years, and almost 70% said the decision was driven (at least in part) by rising rent. The data reveals a broader financial strain caused by housing costs, according to National Debt Relief. Three-quarters of respondents said the rising cost of housing played a role in accumulating the debt that led them to seek help, while 79% said the rising cost of housing is affecting their personal life; 55% said it's impacting their work life.
"Renters are especially vulnerable; many are being forced to choose between affordability and stability," Bell said. "Housing is no longer just a cost — it's a major driver of debt."
Related: U.S. retirement assets reach record high of $48.1T at end of Q3 of 2025
Health care expenses
More than 40% of parents said they went into debt just to pay for their children's doctor visits and prescriptions. Parents of children under 5 years old were the most likely to hold medical debt tied to doctor visits. What's more, parents in debt were twice as likely to skip meals or neglect their own physical and mental health. According to National Debt Relief, the average indebted parent now carries more than $12,000 in medical debt.
"What [all of] this data really shows is strain, not recklessness, and a measure of resilience," National Debt Relief's Chief Experience Officer Brit Simon said, noting that debt settlement is an option for individuals with $7,500 or more of such unsecured debt as credit card bills, medical bills, or personal loans. "People are doing their best under unprecedented pressures, and they deserve support, not shame, as they try to move forward and get out of debt."
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