Washington, D.C. (May 27, 2025) – An American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) survey found that women indicated more concerned about their financial situation over the past 12 months than men. The survey was conducted April 1-3 among over 2,000 U.S. adults as a kickoff to National Financial Literacy Month.
Regarding their financial situation over the past 12 months, women chose negative feelings more so than men. According to the survey, women felt:
Cautious 40% versus 30% for men
Uncertain 39% versus 32% for men
Stressed 41% versus 30% for men
Worried 38% versus 31% for men
Anxious 36% versus 30% for men
Frustrated 34% versus 26% for men, and
Hopeless 17% versus 13% for men
Men, on the other hand, felt more positive about their financial situation over the past 12 months: optimistic (30% versus 25%), positive (32% versus 21%) and content (22% versus 17%). Men also had a more positive outlook on their financial situation over the next 12 months (39% thought it would be better than the previous 12 months, compared to 27% of women).
“The responses reveal some stark differences between men and women. Clearly, the financial stress levels are not the same,” says Pam Ladd, CPA/PFS, AICPA Senior Manager, Personal Financial Planning. “Addressing uncertainty is important for women and their financial advisors to strategize around to build confidence and financial well-being.”
More Men are Taking Steps
Although women displayed more negative feelings about their financial situation in the past 12 months, men reported taking action on their finances at higher levels. Men, more so than women, started or added to an emergency fund in the past 12 months (23% versus 17%). Men were more likely than women to have started or increased funding to a retirement account in the last 12 months (17% versus 12%).
Men ages 18-34 were more likely to have postponed higher education due to financial reasons in the last 12 months than women in that age bracket (31% versus 19%).
Consumers can find financial literacy resources from the AICPA here.
Survey Method:
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of AICPA from April 1-3, 2025, among 2,081 adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.
Read more about the survey findings here.
About the American Institute of CPAs
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world’s largest member association representing the CPA profession, with 397,000 members and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.
# # #
Contact: Kathleen Zinszer
Kathleen.Zinszer@aicpa-cima.com