Americans are increasingly worried about their ability to stay financially afloat in late 2025, and a closer look at their bill-paying outlook amplifies the issue.
The study noted that households spend a median of $24,695 yearly on 13 basic household bills, including utilities, rent, mortgage, mobile phone, internet, auto loans, and insurance.
“Bills are the single largest expense category for American households, and our findings show that paying them is not only financially burdensome but also emotionally stressful,” said Steve Shivers, co-founder and CEO at Seattle-based doxo, in a statement. “From growing fears of fraud to the strain of rising costs, households are looking for better, safer, and more convenient ways to manage payments.”
The report also provided solid insight into how Americans are feeling about their bill payment experiences and priorities. Overall, 77 percent of adults say their household's financial situation is “worse or significantly worse” than in 2024, while almost 50 percent of U.S. households curbed savings or delayed a sizable purchase to better afford their debt obligations. The analysis also noted 17 percent of U.S. households delay at least one bill each month, and 45 percent say they couldn’t afford three months of bill payments if household income trended lower.
- Seventy-three percent of U.S. households pay their mortgages via ACH (direct bank transfer), although 14 percent still pay their monthly rent in cash.
- Most Americans time their bill payments for early in the week, with Monday and Tuesday both favoured by bill payers.
- Most Americans have a “clear desire” to make their bill payment experiences more efficient and secure, with 65 percent preferring companies generate email or text reminders to pay bills; 60 percent seeking direct mobile app or website payment options; and 55 percent looking for “all-in-one” bill payment services that bundle all their bills in a secure platform.
Growing Struggle with Household Bills
Personal finance gurus say many Americans should check the mirror for clues to rising household finance anxiety.“Most people simply don’t know how much they spend,” said AJ Schneider, a financial strategist and founder of New York City-based Beyond The Green Coaching, a financial wellness company. “They underestimate 'lifestyle' costs like dining out, shopping, gas, and their subscriptions.”
Because so many Americans are living in a survival state, they forget to account for irregular but essential expenses such as insurance, medical care, or car maintenance. “These are high-ticket items that don't happen monthly but happen annually,” Schneider said.
Many people are also trapped in high-interest debt, using each paycheck to repay past spending. “It’s a cycle that keeps them dependent on credit to maintain their lifestyle,” she added. “Most households haven’t compared their actual monthly expenses to their take-home pay. When you don’t know that number, your finances are built on guesswork.”
Schneider offers debt-burdened Americans some advice on getting their financial house in order.
Start with awareness, not restriction. Don’t make a “perfect” budget based on wishful thinking. Review every Amazon and Target purchase, every take-out order. “Face your financial reality,” she advised. “Once you know whether you spend more or less than you earn, your first goal is to reach zero: spend only what you make.”
Use zero-percent balance-transfer credit cards strategically. Once your budget is in place, consolidate high-interest debt into a zero-percent card. “It’s one of the smartest ways to save and build wealth while paying down debt,” Schneider said. “Yet it only works if your spending habits are under control.”
Prioritize action over timing. Don’t wait for a bonus, tax return, or “after the holidays” to begin. “The most powerful financial tool you have isn’t your income,” it’s your mindset,” she added. “Start today.”