Americans face rising job insecurity, dwindling savings, and soaring costs, yet are spending more on luxury and experiences. Crisis fatigue is fueling pessimism, risky financial behaviors, and a reliance on influencers over experts, leaving many young people feeling hopeless about homeownership and financial stability. Sensational news and get-rich-quick schemes prey on these anxieties, worsening long-term financial health and making it harder to build real wealth.