As some Americans face financial stress, holiday joy may be more difficult to come by this year, according to the recently released 2022 Aflac Holiday Health Issues Survey. More than three-quarters (82 percent) of respondents say they will cut back on holiday gifts, travel expenses or take on credit-card debt this holiday season because of financial concerns, with two-thirds doing so because of health care or related out-of-pocket costs.
“The study paints a picture of the sacrifice many households are making this holiday season, because it’s difficult to pay for necessities and health care costs,” said Diana Steinhoff, senior vice president, Aflac Benefits Solutions. “The holiday-focused data brings awareness to how financial stress can affect the physical and mental health of Americans during what should be the most wonderful time of the year.”
Stretching a buck is harder this year
According to the survey, 44 percent of Americ