Only 26% of women report good financial health, despite 69% being primary financial decision-makers.
Financial stress is the leading barrier to achieving well-being goals, impacting mental and physical health.
Single mothers and caregivers experience the highest levels of financial distress and lowest wellness ratings.
Modern life can be packed with stress, but a new study suggests that stress falls heaviest on women. The study from the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America found that much of that stress is financial.
A survey found that financial challenges are the most cited obstacle in achieving well-being, with 54% of women pointing to money and finances as a primary source of stress.
Other top stressors, such as cost of living, paying off debt, and saving for retirement, suggest a broader financial struggle affecting nearly every facet of womens lives.
While 69% of women serve as their households primary financial decision-makers, only 26% describe their financial health as good. The gender gap is evident across multiple well-being indicators.
For example, only 29% of women say they manage their finances well, compared to 37% of men. Emotional and physical health also follow this pattern, with 33% of women rating themselves as doing well in those areas, compared to 43% of men.
These gaps widen significantly among vulnerable subgroups. Over half (55%) of single mothers and 44% of female caregivers rate their financial health as fair or poor, well above the 38% average among all women.
Wellness on the back burner
Despite 93% of women identifying physical and mental health as essential to their overall wellness, few feel theyre succeeding in those areas. Only one-third rate their physical health as good, and a mere 11% say they are taking excellent care of their mental health. Behind these figures lies a struggle to maintain basic wellness habits; just 28% rate themselves as good at eating healthily, and only 26% feel they get adequate exercise.
Work-life balance also weighs heavily: 84% say its essential to their well-being, but achieving that balance is increasingly elusive amid financial burdens and caregiving responsibilities.
"Financial stress has an outsized impact on overall well-being," said Erin Culek, Guardians Head of Financial Protection & Retirement Solutions.
While both men and women are subject to stress, turmoil, and uncertainty, the data shows that the impact is more profound for women. Whether building emergency funds or planning for retirement, working with a financial professional improves financial confidence and can help support women in their pursuit of their own physical and mental well-being goals.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.09% this week, down from 6.11% last week and 6.87% a year ago, while the 15-year rate fell to 5.44%.
The Mortgage Bankers Association reports the overall delinquency rate climbed to 4.26% in Q4 2025, up from the prior quarter and a year earlier.
FHA delinquencies rose to 11.52%, the highest level since mid-2021, with newer loans from 2022 and 2023 under more pressure due to higher rates and stretched affordability.
Home prices remain elevated but mortgage rates continue to improve for buyers. Freddie Mac reports its Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.09% this week.
Bolstered by strong economic growth, a solid labor market and mortgage rates at three-year lows, housing affordability continues to measurably improve, said Sam Khater, Freddie Macs chief economist. These factors have caught the attention of many prospective homebuyers, driving purchase application activity higher than a year ago.
Average rates
The 30-year FRM averaged 6.09% as of February 12, 2026, down from last week when it averaged 6.11%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.87%.
The 15-year FRM averaged 5.44%, down from last week when it averaged 5.50%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 6.09%.
Some homeowners who are paying a higher mortgage rate are struggling to make on-time payments. The Mortgage Bankers Association reports the delinquency rate for mortgage loans on residential properties increased to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.26% of all loans outstanding at the end of the fourth quarter of 2025.
The delinquency rate was also higher than the third quarter of 2025 and up from one year ago. The percentage of loans on which foreclosure actions were started in the fourth quarter remained unchanged at 0.20 percent.
FHA loan delinquencies rise the most
Mortgage delinquencies increased across all three major loan types Conventional, FHA, and VA in the last three months of the year, said Marina Walsh, CMB, MBAs vice president of Industry Analysis. The most pronounced uptick was with FHA loans, which reached a delinquency rate of 11.52 percent, the highest level since the second quarter of 2021.
Thats concerning because FHA borrowers tend to be first-time homeowners and have moderate incomes.
Walsh noted that serious delinquencies which include loans 90+ days delinquent and in foreclosure vary by year of origination.
For FHA loans, the vintage years 2020 and 2021 are performing better than the vintage years 2022 and 2023, when mortgage rates rose and affordability was especially stretched. With FHA volume increasing, mortgage rates moderating, and borrower credit characteristics improving on newer FHA originations, the performance of recent cohorts may temper stress on overall FHA portfolios.
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.2%on a seasonally adjusted basis in January, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 2.4%before seasonal adjustment.
Shelter costs rose 0.2%in January, accounting for the largest share of the monthly increase, while energy prices fell 1.5 percent.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, climbed 0.3%for the month and 2.5%over the past year.
Inflation moderated slightly in January as lower energy prices helped offset continued increases in housing and other service-related costs, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The 0.2% monthly rise in the Consumer Price Index follows a 0.3% increase in December. On an annual basis, consumer prices were up 2.4% for the 12 months ending in January, down from a 2.7% year-over-year increase recorded in December.
Shelter costs which include rents and owners equivalent rent rose 0.2% in January and were the largest contributor to the overall monthly gain. Over the past 12 months, shelter prices have climbed 3.0%, continuing to put upward pressure on household budgets.
Grocery prices continued to climb
Food prices also moved higher, increasing 0.2% in January. Grocery prices, measured by the food-at-home index, rose 0.2%, while food away from home such as restaurant meals increased 0.1%. Compared with a year ago, overall food prices are up 2.9%, with restaurant prices rising 4.0% and grocery prices up 2.1%.
Energy prices, however, provided some relief. The energy index fell 1.5% in January, led by a 3.2% drop in gasoline prices. Energy commodities overall declined 3.3% for the month. On a year-over-year basis, gasoline prices are down 7.5%, contributing to a 0.1% decline in the broader energy index over the past 12 months.
Core inflation which excludes the more volatile food and energy categories rose 0.3% in January. Over the past year, core prices increased 2.5%.
Within the core categories, airline fares, personal care, recreation, medical care and communication were among the indexes that posted gains in January. Medical care services rose 0.3% for the month and are up 3.9% compared with a year ago.
Some categories saw declines. Prices for used cars and trucks fell 1.8% in January and are down 2.0% over the past 12 months. Household furnishings and operations and motor vehicle insurance also recorded monthly decreases.
Existing-home sales fell 8.4% in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.91 million, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Sales declined in every region, both month over month and year over year.
The median home price rose to $396,800, marking the 31st consecutive month of annual price increases.
Sales of existing homes plunged in January as harsh winter weather and limited inventory weighed on the housing market, even as affordability showed signs of improvement.
Total existing-home sales dropped 8.4% from December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.91 million, according to the National Association of Realtors. Compared with January 2025, sales were down 4.4%.
The decrease in sales is disappointing, said NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. The below-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation this January make it harder than usual to assess the underlying driver of the decrease and determine if this months numbers are an aberration.
Prices rise despite slower sales
Even as sales cooled, home prices continued to climb. The median existing-home price for all housing types rose 0.9% from a year earlier to $396,800 a new high for the month of January and the 31st straight month of year-over-year gains. That suggests homes that sold were more expensive.
Yun said tight supply continues to support prices.
Due to low supply, the median home price reached a new high for the month of January, he said. Homeowners are in a financially comfortable position as a result. Since January 2020, a typical homeowner would have accumulated $130,500 in housing wealth.
Total housing inventory stood at 1.22 million units at the end of January, down 0.8% from December but up 3.4% from a year earlier. Unsold inventory represented a 3.7-month supply at the current sales pace, up from 3.5 months in December and one year ago.
Affordability improved for seventh straight month
Despite rising prices, affordability improved for the seventh consecutive month. NARs Housing Affordability Index increased to 116.5 in January, up from 111.6 in December and 102.0 a year ago.
The gains were seen across all regions, with affordability rising 9% in the Northeast, 12.2% in the Midwest, 15.2% in the South and 17.1% in the West.
Yun attributed the improvement to wage growth outpacing home price gains and lower mortgage rates compared with a year ago. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.10% in January, down from 6.19% in December and 6.96% in January 2025, according to Freddie Mac.
Affordability conditions are improving, with housing the most affordable its been since March 2022, Yun said. However, supply has not kept pace and remains quite low.
Single-family, condo sales decline
Single-family home sales fell 9.0% month over month to a 3.53 million annual rate, down 4.3% from a year ago. The median single-family home price rose 0.6% year over year to $400,300.
Condominium and co-op sales declined 2.6% from December to a 380,000 annual rate, a 5.0% drop from January 2025. The median condo price increased 3.8% from a year ago to $364,600.
All four regions posted monthly and annual declines in sales.
Northeast: Sales fell 5.9% from December to an annual rate of 480,000, down 4.0% year over year. The median price climbed 5.8% to $505,400.
Midwest: Sales decreased 7.1% to a 920,000 annual rate, down 7.1% from a year earlier. The median price rose 2.3% to $295,400.
South: Sales dropped 9.0% to 1.81 million, down 1.6% year over year. The median price edged up 0.1% to $351,200.
West: Sales slid 10.3% to 700,000, down 7.9% from January 2025. The median price declined 1.4% to $600,400 the only region to see an annual price decrease.
Homes also took longer to sell. Properties remained on the market for a median of 46 days in January, up from 39 days in December and 41 days a year ago.
First-time buyers accounted for 31% of sales, up from 29% in December and 28% a year earlier. Cash sales made up 27% of transactions, slightly below both last month and last year.
57% of Americans say growing their own food saves money, and 39% expect their backyard projects to pay for themselves within two years.
Surplus harvests are strengthening communities, with 67% sharing food with family and friends and 35% donating to people in need.
From bartering to preserving, Americans are turning backyard gardens into everyday resilience strategies amid rising grocery costs.
As grocery prices remain stubbornly high and supply chains feel increasingly unpredictable, more Americans are looking beyond the produce aisle and into their own backyards.
In fact, the average piece of produce in the United States travels about 1,500 miles from farm to plate. That distance and the costs tied to it are prompting many households to rethink where their food comes from.
A new survey of more than 1,000 Americans, combined with Google Trends data, shows that backyard food growing is no longer a niche hobby. Its becoming a mainstream strategy for cutting costs, boosting food security and building community ties.
A backyard boom across generations
Food growing is quickly moving into the mainstream. Nearly nine in 10 Americans (87%) say theyre planning backyard projects in 2026. Interest spans generations: 89% of Gen X, 86% of baby boomers, 84% of millennials and 80% of Gen Z report plans to invest in their outdoor spaces.
Vegetables top the list, with 86% planning to grow them in 2026. More than half (55%) plan to grow fruit, while 48% intend to cultivate herb gardens. Other popular projects include building raised beds (29%), installing fencing (23%), creating pollinator-friendly spaces (18%) and even raising chickens or small animals (17%).
For many, these arent just aesthetic upgrades. Theyre practical moves aimed at offsetting household expenses.
Grocery prices fuel the movement
Rising grocery costs are the leading motivator behind the surge in home food production. Sixty-one percent of Americans say higher food prices are driving them to prioritize backyard growing, including 69% of Gen X and 61% of Gen Z.
But inflation isnt the only factor. A striking 82% cite supply chain concerns as a significant influence, reflecting lingering anxiety from pandemic-era disruptions and ongoing global instability. Meanwhile, 41% point to food safety as a top concern, and 33% say they want to avoid ultra-processed foods.
Climate concerns are also shaping behavior. Sixty-three percent of Americans plan to grow more food because of extreme weather, and 29% say climate change has motivated them to adopt more sustainable habits. Younger generations are especially attuned: 35% of Gen Z say climate concerns are influencing their gardening plans.
For some, backyard food growing is about control in an uncertain world. More than half (56%) say gardening helps them feel more relaxed and in control, while 44% say it boosts self-reliance.
Do gardens actually save money?
For most participants, the answer is yes. Overall, 57% say growing their own food saves them money.
Vegetables deliver the biggest payoff: 76% reported grocery savings from vegetables in 2025, and 85% expect savings in 2026. Many reported saving up to $500 in a year.
Herbs also provide solid returns, with 66% reporting savings in 2025. Fruit yields more modest but meaningful savings, with 61% seeing returns last year.
Even eggs which have experienced dramatic price spikes due to avian flu are influencing behavior. Seventeen percent of Americans have started or plan to start raising backyard chickens. Among Gen Z, 17% have already begun and 23% plan to get chickens soon. While only 42% reported egg-related savings in 2025, those who expect savings in 2026 estimate they could save up to $250.
Despite upfront costs, 39% of respondents believe their outdoor projects will pay for themselves within two years.
Plan before you go. Bulk only saves money if youll use it and the unit price actually beats your grocery store. Stick to staples and freeze meats right away.
Use the hidden tools. Scan & Go tracks your total and unlocks extra savings. Look for prices ending in .01 for clearance and a C on the tag for items being phased out.
Time it right. Shop Instant Savings events and always compare the price per ounce or count to make sure bulk is truly cheaper.
Warehouse clubs like Sams Club have one goal, to get you to buy more than you planned. Giant carts, bulk packaging, and limited-time signs are designed to make spending feel like saving.
The key is knowing where the real value is, where the traps are hiding, and how to use the clubs perks to your advantage. Heres how to make your Sams membership pay for itself and then some.
Start with a plan (smart bulk buying)
The biggest mistake shoppers make at Sams Club is buying in bulk just because it looks like a deal.
Remember that bulk only saves you money if:
Youll use it before it goes bad.
You have space to store it.
The per-unit price is actually lower than your grocery store.
Before your trip, get inthe habit of scanning your pantry, freezer, and bathroom cabinets.
Then make alist of items your household uses consistently every month. Think things like paper towels, trash bags, coffee, cereal, and frozen staples. These are your bulk sweet spots.
Impulse bulk buys like giant condiment bottles, oversized snack packs your kids will burn out on, or industrial-sized produce are where savings go to die.
Pro tip:If you havent already, you need to trytheir Scan & Go feature. Via the Sams Club app, you scan items as you shop, pay for them, and actually skip the checkout line altogether.
Beyond the obvious convenience, it gives you a running total, which helps you keep your spending in-check. And as a bonus, there are items sprinkled around the warehouse that actually qualify for additional Scan & Go Savings. Just look for the yellow shelf tag that tells you what your Scan & Go discount is for that particular item.
Know what Sams Club does best
Not everything at Sams Club is the cheapest option. But some categories are consistently strong values and they include the following.
Household Essentials: Paper goods, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and trash bags are often significantly cheaper per unit than supermarkets and even many big-box stores.
Meat and Protein: Sams Club is known for good-quality meat at competitive prices, especially chicken breasts, ground beef, and pork. Buying larger packs and freezing portions can cut your cost per meal noticeably.
Pantry Staples: Rice, pasta, flour, sugar, cooking oils, and canned goods often shine here. This is especially true for families who cook at home frequently.
Over-the-Counter Medications: Pain relievers, allergy meds, and vitamins under the Members Mark label can be dramatically cheaper than drugstores.
Where Sams is often not the best deal: Think small households buying fresh produce, trendy seasonal items, and name-brand snacks that rotate frequently at lower prices in grocery store sales.
Pro tip:Freeze like a pro. Consider buying large packs of meat, bread, and cheese then portion and freeze immediately.
Use a food saver or freezer bags and label with the date and flatten portions for easy stacking. This turns their bulk pricing into long-term savings and is the only way to go especially for largefamilies.
Learn to decode Sam's Club price tags
Shoutout to several Sams employees whove shown me how toread their price tags over the years. It's a great way to know exactly what type of deal you'regetting.
Heres how to look at the tag andquickly spot the deals without having to guess:
Prices that end in .01 (like $21.71)
When you see a price ending in 1, that signifies a clearance markdown.
These are final-sale type prices and often the lowest youll see. If its something youve been watching, and the price ends in 1, thats your cue to grab it.
Decode the letters on the shelf tag
For this tip, youll want to check the upper right corner of the price tag for a singleletter.
That little letter tells you quite a bit:
A = Active (A regularly stocked item.)
N = Never-Out (They try to always keep it in stock.)
C = Canceled (Its leaving soon. Often means a price markdown is likely coming or has already happened.)
S = Seasonal (A limited-time item that may rotate back in.)
O = One-Time Buy (Once its gone, its gone.)
Ask about display models
If an item is marked C for Canceled and the floor model is the last one left, dont be shy ask about a potential discount.
Managers want these items gone and will often give you an extra 10-20% discount to have you take it away.
Check the print date on the sign too
At the bottom of the price tag, theres usually a small print date. That tells you when the sign was created.
If its a recent date, the markdown has just happened.
If its older, then another price drop should be coming soon. If theres a lot of inventory, youd be smart to wait a few days (even up to a week) to grab it after the price drops.
Compare price per unitevery time
Big packages are great at creating the illusion of value. But sometimes the regular grocery store sale still wins on price, especially when they have promos or coupons available.
For this reason, be sure to use the price per ounce, pound, or count listed on the shelf tag. If its not posted, do the quick math on your phone.
This is especially important for:
Cereal
Snacks
Cheese
Yogurt
Condiments
Paper products
Pro tip: Always shop the perimeter of the store first, as this is where your essential buys live. Then you can wander down seasonal or center aisles.
By filling your cart with planned items first, you leave less room (and budget) for those impulse buys towards the front of the store.
Think of them as built-in coupons that come off automatically at checkout. They rotate them throughout the month and you tend to see them the most often with:
Snacks and beverages
Frozen foods
Paper goods
Health and beauty items
Seasonal merchandise
If you know youll need a household item like paper towels or detergent soon, waiting for it to land in an Instant Savings event can shave several extra dollars off a purchase you were already planning to make.
Also, once you get familiar with these Instant Savings deals, you'll start to notice thatmany of them cycle through every four to six weeks.
And the discounts aren'talways the same. For example, Tide Pods might be $4 off this month, then drop to $6 offthe next cycle.
Take note of the savings on the stuff you buy all the time. Then when an item you need hits its max discount, stock up. Now youre not just waiting for a sale, youre actually timing the best version of the sale.
of ConsumerAffairs
