For many families, the holiday season brings joy, celebration, and long awaited time together. But for millions of American workers, it also brings something else: a spike in financial stress that can stretch well into the new year.
New research shows just how heavy that burden has become and why employers are uniquely positioned to offer meaningful support.
A 2025 survey from AICPA found that 47 percent of U S adults who plan to spend on holiday gifts, travel, or both expect to go into debt this season (AICPA and CIMA).
Among those who do take on debt, 79 percent say they will rely on credit cards, and 52 percent of them do not expect to pay those balances in full when the bill arrives (AICPA and CIMA).
A LendingTree analysis found that the average indebted household now carries $1,181 dollars in holiday related debt, and paying it off can take months. Worse, the burden is not evenly distributed. Nearly 36 percent of Americans took on holiday debt this season, including a disproportionate share of parents with young children.
As financial strain increases, so does stress. A survey from Citizens Bank Investor Relations found that 60 percent of consumers feel anxious about their holiday budgets and finances.
Financial stress is one of the strongest drivers of distraction, absenteeism, and turnover. When employees are unsure how they will cover seasonal expenses, it becomes harder to stay engaged at work.
This year, inflation is adding even more pressure. Experts estimate that the cost of holiday season goods and travel will be 3 to 4 percent higher than last year, making it even harder for families to keep expenses in check (Creighton University).
For hourly workers and anyone living paycheck to paycheck, these increases hit especially hard.
The good news is that employers have a powerful opportunity to support their teams during one of the most financially stressful times of the year.
Offering responsible access to earned wages, such as ImmediatePay, helps employees:
For employers, this benefit is simple to implement and comes at no cost. It is a small change that creates a significant impact for employees.
The holidays should be a time of celebration, not stress. As rising costs and credit card reliance weigh heavily on working families, giving employees more control over their paycheck is one of the most meaningful gifts an employer can offer.
Immediate is built to help employers support their teams with safe, transparent, responsible access to earned wages exactly when workers need it most. With Immediate's existing integrations, you can offer to your team in as little as a few weeks.
This season, give your team the tools to manage holiday expenses with confidence.
Book time with us to get started!
Learn about useful tips and our latest news
