A new study featured in Investment News highlights a serious issue affecting millions of former service members: veteran debt. The research—conducted by National Debt Relief and Wakefield Research—shows that 91% of veterans believe financial stress makes PTSD symptoms worse. For younger generations, that stress cuts even deeper: over one-third of Gen Z and Millennial veterans say their debt has directly made PTSD harder to manage.
The findings reveal that veteran debt is widespread and often severe. Nine in ten veterans carry some form of debt. Nearly three-quarters owe money on credit cards, and one in three of those individuals owes more than $10,000. Making matters worse, nearly 25% don’t have emergency savings, leaving them vulnerable to financial shocks.
Medical expenses are another common burden. About 30% of veterans say medical bills are a source of their debt, and that number jumps to 44% for younger veterans. These costs, combined with limited savings and high interest rates, create a cycle that’s hard to break.
The study also shows that transitioning from military to civilian life is financially rocky for many. Nearly half of veterans took six months or more to find work after leaving the service, and more than one-quarter felt unprepared to manage their finances during that critical time.
These challenges often lead to painful sacrifices. More than half of younger veterans with debt said they’re working more hours than they want just to stay afloat. One in three has even skipped meals to cover expenses. The emotional and physical toll of veteran debt is clear—and it’s growing.
“For many veterans, debt has become another battle to fight,” said Natalia Brown, Chief Compliance and Consumer Affairs Officer at National Debt Relief. The company’s role in this research underlines its commitment to understanding the root causes of debt and supporting those who carry it.
The study’s release ahead of Memorial Day sends a clear message: honoring veterans includes addressing the everyday challenges they face when the uniform comes off. With 78% of all veterans—and 86% of younger ones—worried about job security or financial stability, veteran debt is more than a money problem. It’s a dignity issue.
To better understand the personal and financial impact of veteran debt, read the full article on Investment News. It’s a powerful reminder that the cost of service doesn’t end with discharge—and support shouldn’t either.
