Money Worries Are Main Source Of Stress For Millennials, New York Life Research Finds

The One Thing You Feel MOST Stressed About
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USA, New Jersey, Jersey City, Side view of teenage girl (16-17 years) studding

With young adults saying that they experience more tension and anxiety than any other age group, millennials have recently been labeled America's "most stressed generation." And there's one thing in particular that millennials are stressing over much more than older Americans: Money.

Although the majority of Americans of all age groups experience stress, members of the millennial generation (also known as Generation Y, ages 18-29) report higher stress levels than Gen X, Baby Boomers, and mature adults. When it comes to money, over half of millennials are dissatisfied with their financial situation, compared to 49 percent of Gen X and 32 percent of baby boomers, according to the Keep Good Going Report, a survey of 2,000 Americans sponsored by New York Life

“These results may be reflective of the impact the jobs crisis has had on Generation Y, which has struggled to find its footing in the post-recession economy,” New York Life Vice President Paul Horrocks said in a press release. “To feel better about their financial standing, people may think that they need to experience a more vibrant economy and build up wealth by spending more time in the workforce. Yet, the research shows that the ability to simply accumulate more things is not how most people find financial satisfaction nor real life satisfaction. Americans, including Gen X and Y, want their finances to offer protection for the future, not just the ability to snap up the latest gadgets today."

And it shouldn't come as a surprise, given the difficult economic situation that members of Generation Y have inherited. Global youth unemployment is on the rise, student loan debt in America now exceeds one trillion dollars, and nearly half of recent college graduates are underemployed.

But despite these economic challenges, the majority of American youth still believe that they'll be better off then their parents, according to a recent Gallup poll.

Don't let finances add to your stress levels: If you're anxious about money, check out these personal finance tips for teens and this guide to budgeting for the hidden costs of college.

Do you stress about money? What's your favorite way to relax when you start feeling anxious? Share your thoughts in the comments or tweet @HuffPostTeen.

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Before You Go

5 Ways To Take The Stress Out Of Starting High School
Manage Your Expectations(01 of05)
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Going into high school expecting to get straight-As could lead to stress, frustration and disappointment. Of course you want to do your best, but try not to put too much pressure on yourself to get a perfect GPA. It can be a lot more difficult to get good grades in high school than it was in middle school, and it takes time to adjust to new types of assignments and demands on your time. Give yourself at least a semester to adjust, and if your grades are less than stellar, remember that yes, you'll still get into a good college. (credit:Shutterstock)
Talk it Out(02 of05)
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You may want to figure it all out on your own, but helping you get adjusted is what parents, teachers and guidance counselors are there for. If you're having trouble with classes, time management, extra-curriculars or friends, don't hesitate to talk to someone --chances are, it'll help a lot more than you would think. (credit:Alamy)
Stick With Your Friends(03 of05)
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Adjusting to a new social scene can be one of the most difficult parts of the high school transition. Instead of trying to get a whole new crew all at once, stick with the friends you came in with. If you're going to a new school with all new people, try to focus on connecting with one or two people that you could really see yourself being close with, rather than trying to assimilate into a big group. As you go through high school, those one or two close friends that have been there since the beginning will be the ones you really appreciate. (credit:Shutterstock)
Get Organized(04 of05)
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In high school -- when the academic pressure is greater and you have more demands on your time than ever before -- staying organized is one of the best ways to manage your stress levels and make sure that you get the best grades possible. Invest in some good school supplies, download an app to manage your schedule and to-do lists, find a study system that works for you, and stick with it. (credit:Shutterstock)
Remember That 'It Gets Better'(05 of05)
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Adjusting to high school life is difficult, and it may take quite some time for you to really feel comfortable. And you know what? That's perfectly OK. Nobody said it was going to be easy, but that doesn't mean that you won't learn from your experiences and ultimately end up where you're supposed to be. You'll find your place -- trust us. (credit:Shutterstock)