Worry? Zero. I’m still paying for the gas (and other stupid junk I bought) on my credit card in my not-so-young and stupid days. And I probably won’t ever get to be a stay-at-home mom because of my mountain of debt. But worrying doesn’t solve anything. Cutting up the credit cards, paying my bills on time, and not expecting to buy a new outfit every month has saved my sanity and helps me focus on what is truly important. Being grateful for and content with what I have has brought tremendous peace to my life.
Barb Offenburg
Toledo, Ohio

One, and I know that may sound strange. I used to worry about money, but I discovered that things have a way of working themselves out. I found out that I really don’t need as much as I thought. In fact, it seems like the more I buy, the more I have to worry about. I’ve learned to be content whether I am rich or poor.
Judy Larson
Tacoma, Washington

About a 3. There will always be some degree of insecurity with five children to care for and the present economic issues in the United States. However, in general, I’m pretty flip about it. My husband is the worrier. I tell him, “Honey, I was a single mom on welfare with two boys and mac and cheese in the pantry. I know poor, and this ain’t it!” We both have good jobs; healthy, happy kids; and a nice home. I revel in the blessings of my life.
Leslie Jonis
Jupiter, Florida

One. I never worry about money. I have a low-income job that I absolutely love. I live in a high-cost-of-living area, which I also love. I make enough to pay the rent and bills and at times even save some. Sure, I may not be able to afford a closet full of designer clothes or get weekly manicures, but that’s OK. I’d rather eat at home than at a restaurant, and I’d rather take the bus or subway than own a car. I’d rather be happy than be in debt. I choose to live this way. There’s enough money out there for everyone. Greed only makes you think otherwise.
Somsa Bert
Boston, Massachusetts

Around a 6. I worry about being a good financial role model for my daughters, ages 9 and 11. I know that involving them in decisions at the grocery store and having them help to plan budgets for souvenirs on family trips is only a start. Ask me again when they’re heading to college. I’ll be sliding toward that 10!
Carol McMichael
Fabius, New York

I would say a 1, because once you die, all your money and money problems die with you. So live your life without worry!
Kristen Kelley
Lake Elsinore, California

Five. I think it is good to worry about money in a healthy, positive way. Too little worry can make one careless, while too much can consume one’s life. Making sure my family and I are safe and secure is the most important, but we also need to enjoy the ride, because we never know when our ride will be over.
Cecilia Szymanski
Phoenix, Arizona

Nine. I was brought up in a family in which my father worked and my mother spent the money. From a young age, I was aware that my mother was spending more than my father was making. This has made me keenly aware of my spending, to the point that my husband asks me to spend money. It is hard to, because I can remember turning the light off when I was young, even though I was scared of the dark, because I thought that if I left the light on, my father wouldn’t be able to pay for the electricity. I now concentrate on spending money on things that I need and choosing the things I want carefully.
Gwyneth Landry
Brighton, Massachusetts