Why so many Americans are stressed about money

There is a growing inequality stress gap: those who make less have higher levels of stress, according to The American Psychological Association's annual stress survey.

MPR News' Kerri Miller talked with two experts about the ways money leads to stress and the unique stresses faced by those living below the poverty line.

What financial worries do you have? How does that stress affect your everyday work and family life?

On the live stream

My wife and I are struggling with what you are talking about. Money has been very tight for us for a while, and we've been living partially on our student loans while my wife is finishing her school. About a month ago I lost my job, and we have our first kid on the way in May. I am now on anti-depressants due to all the stress, and most of it boils down to trying to afford life right now. -Ned

I'm 28 and have spent the last eight years climbing the corporate ladder. I was able to to get alot of scholorships and grants for my two year college degree - but I had to work harder in the work force because I didn;'t have a four year degree. I had so much stress from work in the last year that I developed hashimoto's thyroiditis - which has so many horrible side effects. - Jessica Davis

Having grown up in poverty, pinched pennies in the salad days with my husband and fortunately having arrived in the upper bracket of income I've seen firsthand that it costs more to be poor than well off. The ability to buy in bulk, credit cards that reward loyalty with discounts, gift cards and cash back and simply having a decent car to drive to the store with the best deals saves us money today when we don't need the discount. I feel guilty at times for the advantage. -Rachel Ballard

The student loan struggle

I make a $55k salary and am still poorer than friends that make $30k due to student loans which will not be paid for 25 years. I dont' go out to eat or take expensive vacations and still struggle splitting rent with a roommate and living frugally. - Adam

Our first is starting college this fall, but based on the FAFSA, we as parents are expected to kick in up to $30k per year for tuition (borrowing $20k of it). I'm still paying off my student loans -- which isn't even part of the equation for schools. This is going to become a very messy cycle unless someone does something about tuition. -Annette

Aren't a lot of these problems caused by choices people have made? Going to a private school and accumulating $100k+ in debt for a teaching job...not a good idea. We should that require all high school students take a financial literacy course before graduating...mainly to understand college debt consequences. -Jeff