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“Additionally, 24% of Americans are afraid to check their bank accounts.”
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Even with so many American homeowners saying they are living paycheck to paycheck, a new survey found that homeowners tend to rate their finances more positively than people who do not own a home.
The survey conducted by Clever Real Estate showed a notable divide between homeowners and renters.
According to the survey, about two in five homeowners (42%) said they live paycheck to paycheck, versus three in five nonhomeowners (61%).
But despite these high figures, roughly 68% of homeowners said they are satisfied with their financial situation, compared with 47% of nonhomeowners. Another 10% of respondents said their spending habits had pushed back their homebuying plans.
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And unfortunately, these percentages align with widespread financial regrets among Americans. As reported by Clever, when it comes to Americans’ spending habits, “Approximately 35% feel guilty, 33% feel ashamed, and 27% would feel embarrassed if someone saw their recent spending. Additionally, 24% of Americans are afraid to check their bank accounts.”
That gap in financial confidence lines up with other research that connects homeownership with long-term wealth building.
It’s not surprising that homeowners can save more easily. They have more control over their living space and can take steps such as installing solar panels, which can help them save greatly on their energy bills. EnergySage can help homeowners find vetted local installers to get the best deal on solar panel installation.
Realtor.com research found that buying a home by age 30 is linked to a net worth at age 50 that is 22.5% higher, or about $119,000 more, than if the purchase happens in one’s 40s.
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A separate Neighbors Bank survey found that 44% of middle-income renters reported earning more than their parents did at the same age, yet many still feel homeownership is slipping away, per Realtor.com.
Yet, overspending is not always tied to luxury purchases. The Clever Real Estate survey found that 48% of respondents said they go over budget on groceries, so even essentials can be a pain point.
Energy use is also a major factor, especially with the cost of electricity increasing across America, so if you’d like to reduce your power bills, contact EnergySage. In addition to putting you in contact with local installers, it also offers a convenient mapping tool that breaks down the average cost of solar installation by state. Paired with information about the incentives available to help cover the cost of solar, this can help you maximize your savings. The average homeowner saves up to $10,000 with these services.
Plus, EnergySage also provides information about backup battery storage. The right battery system can help you go off-grid, protect you during an outage, and minimize your energy costs during everyday electrical usage.
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Overall, the survey suggests that everyday spending habits, especially regarding recurring expenses, can make a meaningful difference for people trying to build savings or pay down debt before buying a home.
That homeowner confidence gap exists alongside a growing set of costs that can chip away at the sense of stability many owners report.
• In Utah, fast-rising home insurance costs are making ownership feel further out of reach.
• Across the US, insurance coverage cancellations are rising, leaving many homeowners exposed to sudden costs.
• New national figures show insurance non-renewal rates climbing, deepening financial uncertainty for homeowners.
These stories help explain why homeownership can feel both financially stabilizing and financially fragile at the same time.
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© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.
