Atlanta residents turn to cryptocurrency and high-risk finance

As elevated living costs continue to pressure household budgets, many Atlanta residents are increasingly turning to cryptocurrency and other high-risk financial options in an effort to catch up financially, according to new research from Northwestern Mutual. The 2026 Northwestern Mutual Planning & Progress Study found that nearly half (43%) of adults in Atlanta have become more risk-averse with their finances over the past year, citing uncertainty around markets, the economy, and job stability. That figure closely mirrors the national average of 44%. Despite this heightened caution, speculative investing remains prevalent in the metro area. Cryptocurrency, in particular, has emerged as a popular option. The study revealed that 24% of Atlanta residents are currently investing in, or considering investing in, cryptocurrency within the next 12 months, matching the national average. “The fact we’re seeing residents turn to speculative assets because they say they feel ‘financially behind’ is both understandable and concerning,” said Travis May, Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual Callaway Black in Atlanta. Beyond crypto, other high-risk financial behaviors are also evident. Sixteen percent of those surveyed in Atlanta reported participating, or planning to participate, in sports betting or prediction markets as part of their financial activity. Another 17% said they invest in options, while 9% indicated involvement in meme stocks. Among Atlanta residents who are pursuing these speculative assets, the motivation is largely driven by financial stress. Nearly eight in 10 (79%) said they feel financially behind and believe that higher-risk investments may help them reach their financial goals more quickly than traditional approaches. “True financial security isn’t about shortcuts – it’s built through consistency, discipline and proper protection through solid financial planning. A comprehensive plan lets you pursue growth confidently without taking needless risks, like investing in highly volatile asset classes without an in-depth knowledge of the asset and understanding how it complements – or does not- your overall financial plan. Taking these steps can turn short-term panic into durable progress.” Willingness to Take Job-Related Risks The study also found that Atlanta residents show a relatively strong appetite for employment-related risk. Thirty-six percent said they would consider changing employers or starting a business if they believed it would offer greater success or personal fulfillment. Nationally, that figure stands at 33%. Across the United States, more than two-thirds of Americans indicated a preference for job consistency and stability rather than moving between employers. In Atlanta, reactions to uncertainty remain mixed, with 51% of residents reporting feelings of anxiety and an equal percentage responding with caution—closely aligned with national sentiment. Overall, 54% of Americans said they respond to uncertainty with caution. Elevated Costs Continue to Weigh on Atlanta Households Financial pressure remains a key factor shaping these behaviors. Atlanta residents reported experiencing elevated costs across several essential categories over the past three months, in some cases exceeding national averages. Eighty percent of Atlanta respondents said they faced higher grocery costs, compared with 79% nationwide. Elevated utility costs were reported by 62% of Atlanta residents, slightly below the national figure of 66%. Housing expenses were cited by 47% in Atlanta versus 49% nationally, while 40% reported higher gas costs, compared with 44% across the U.S. Together, the findings paint a picture of a region grappling with rising expenses, financial anxiety, and a growing reliance on speculative financial strategies as residents search for ways to regain stability and make progress toward their long-term goals. About the 2026 Northwestern Mutual Planning & Progress Study The 2026 Planning & Progress Study was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Northwestern Mutual among 4,375 U.S. adults aged 18 or older. The survey was conducted online between January 5 and January 21, 2026.

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