AUTHOR=Mamani-Benito Oscar , Cruz Ordinola María Celinda , Olazabal Boggio Roberto Dante , Huayta-Meza Mariné , Apaza-Tarqui Edison Effer , Pacheco Vizcarra Milagros Yesenia , Morales-García Wilter C. TITLE=Financial well-being and financial stress as predictors of overall well-being and life satisfaction among Peruvian workers JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025 YEAR=2025 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1553006 DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1553006 ISSN=1664-1078 ABSTRACT=BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental health and overall well-being of the working population, exacerbating financial problems that influence subjective well-being and life satisfaction. Financial stress and financial well-being have emerged as key predictors of these dimensions.ObjectiveTo determine whether financial well-being and financial stress are significant predictors of overall well-being and life satisfaction among Peruvian workers.MethodsA cross-sectional predictive study was conducted with 1,208 Peruvian workers aged 18–64 years (M = 25.26, SD = 7.99), using standardized instruments such as the General Well-Being Index, Financial Stress Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Financial Well-Being Scale.ResultsThe model demonstrated a good fit to the data (χ2 = 1399.76, p < 0.001, df = 269, CFI = 0.962, TLI = 0.958, RMSEA = 0.062, SRMR = 0.051). Financial well-being had a positive effect on overall well-being (β = 0.52, p < 0.001) and life satisfaction (β = 0.24, p < 0.001). Financial stress showed a negative effect on life satisfaction (β = −0.19, p < 0.001) but did not significantly affect overall well-being (β = −0.02, p > 0.001).ConclusionFinancial well-being plays a critical role in subjective well-being and life satisfaction, while financial stress negatively impacts cognitive evaluations of life. Occupational health strategies should incorporate financial education programs and measures to mitigate financial stress, fostering economic resilience and holistic well-being among workers.