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Financial Privacy Is Rare Common Ground Among Americans, National Survey Finds

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Across party lines, about two-thirds of Americans want their financial data collected only with their consent — or not at all.

Survey published by Cornell Brooks School Tech Policy Institute (BTPI), Bitcoin Policy Institute, and Fedi.

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Financial privacy is one of the few issues that unites Americans across party lines, according to a new national survey of 2,200 U.S. adults. Released today by the Cornell Brooks School Tech Policy Institute (BTPI), Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI) and Fedi, the report “How Americans Think About Financial Privacy,” finds that Republicans, Democrats and Independents hold remarkably similar views on financial privacy, differing by only a few points on nearly every question about who should be able to access their financial information.

The pattern holds across the survey. On question after question, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents landed within a few points of one another:

Privacy over convenience: 59% of Republicans, 61% of Democrats, and 57% of Independents chose privacy when forced to choose.Privacy over crime prevention: 50%, 51%, and 51%, respectively — a one-point spread.Limiting access to themselves and their bank: 81% of Republicans, 77% of Democrats, and 78% of Independents.An opt-in standard — data never collected, or collected only with explicit consent: 70% of Republicans, 66% of Democrats, and 68% of Independents.

Additionally, just 11% of Republicans, 14% of Democrats, and 13% of Independents would accept any government access to their financial data. At a moment when little in American politics commands cross-party agreement, financial privacy is an exception.

The survey also found broad support for an opt-in standard. About two-thirds of Americans (68%) said their financial data should either never be collected (35%) or be collected only with their explicit consent each time (33%). Concern about access was widespread rather than directed at any single actor: majorities were concerned about access by foreign governments (70%), the federal government (68%), big technology firms (67%), and advertisers (65%).

“In a political moment defined by division, we found something remarkable: Americans of every political stripe agree that their financial data belongs to them,” said Sarah Kreps, Professor and Director of BTPI at Cornell University and Senior Fellow at BPI. “This isn’t a partisan issue, but rather a shared conviction that runs deeper than the debates that usually divide us.”

The survey also tested how these attitudes affect real choices. Respondents were asked to pick between hypothetical payment platforms that differed in price, how widely merchants accepted them, ease of use, and how they handled user data. How a platform shared data mattered to people’s choices as much as price and merchant acceptance — the three strongest factors. Platforms that shared no data with outside parties were chosen far more often than those that shared data with advertisers. 

Other findings include:

56% say only they themselves should have access to their personal financial data, and 79% would limit access to themselves and their bank.74% say they would switch or close an account after a serious privacy violation.68% report having experienced at least one privacy or identity breach.77% took at least one step to protect their privacy in the past year — such as refusing to share data with an app (41%) or using cash for privacy (38%) — but few used specialized tools like VPNs (11%) or Signal (4%), indicating some gaps between beliefs and action.

The full report is freely available at https://financialprivacyreport.com/

About the Study

The findings are based on a survey of 2,200 U.S. adults conducted online and weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population. Sarah Kreps and Renee Sorchik (Cornell University) authored the report. The next study is anticipated in January 2027.

About the Organizations

Based within the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, the Tech Policy Institute is the home of technology policy and national security research at Cornell University.

The Bitcoin Policy Institute is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization dedicated to exploring the policy and societal implications of Bitcoin and emerging monetary networks.

Fedi builds freedom technology for communities worldwide. Its app combines a Bitcoin wallet, chat, and community spaces, powered by the Fedimint decentralized custody protocol.

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SOURCE Bitcoin Policy Institute

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Achieve earns Top 3 ranking for personal loan customer satisfaction from LendingTree

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October 30, 2026

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Recognition marks seventh consecutive quarter Achieve has ranked among the nation’s top lenders for customer satisfaction

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Achieve, the fintech for everyday Americans, has been named one of the Top 3 lenders in personal loan customer satisfaction by LendingTree for the third quarter of 2026. This distinction from one of the nation’s largest online personal finance marketplaces underscores Achieve’s commitment to delivering transparent, supportive, and human-centered financial services.

This marks the seventh consecutive LendingTree customer service award that Achieve has earned, following a top-three ranking in the second quarter of 2026. The quarterly ranking is published by LendingTree, based on verified customer reviews and other data evaluating lenders on transparency, ease of the application process and the quality of customer service. Achieve consistently maintains high ratings for providing consumers with a clear path toward improving their financial health.

“For someone consolidating debt, a personal loan is more than a transaction. It’s an opportunity to improve their finances and move forward with greater confidence,” said Achieve President of Lending Kyle Enright. “Our team helps members understand their options and find the solution that fits their goals by pairing competitive fixed rates with personal guidance. Earning this recognition for a seventh consecutive quarter reflects the care our teammates bring to those conversations and the trust our members place in us.”

A rate cut earlier this year lowered the best available annual percentage rate (APR) on Achieve Personal Loans to 6.25%, a reduction of 274 basis points. This initiative, supported by advanced underwriting and enhanced with FICO® Score 10 T data, maintains access to fixed-rate loans for an expanded set of consumers, with an expected improvement in credit performance. These loans are originated by a bank partner via the Achieve Personal Loans platform.

Key highlights of the Achieve Personal Loan experience:

Competitive, fixed rates: APRs now start as low as 6.25% for qualified borrowers, providing a more affordable alternative to high-interest credit card debt.Rapid funding: Qualified members can have funds sent in as little as 24 hours to address immediate financial needs.Flexible terms: Borrowers can choose repayment schedules ranging from 2, 3, 4 and 5 years to align with their specific budget and goals.Transparent pricing: All loans feature fixed monthly payments and a clear payoff date, with no hidden fees or revolving balances.

For more information and important disclosures about Achieve Personal Loans, visit achieve.com/personal-loans

Achieve has served over 2 million consumers, helping to resolve over $22 billion in debt and facilitated over $15 billion in personal loans and home equity lines of credit since 2002. This latest accolade follows a series of recent wins. Achieve was named to Az Business Magazine’s AZ Big 100 List for 2026, and honored by InHerSight with eight recognitions, including being named the No. 1 finance company for women to work.

As a trusted leader in debt consolidation, Achieve remains committed to helping everyday people move toward a better financial future. This commitment is rooted in providing a transparent experience, a personalized approach to every member’s unique situation and the predictable, fast cash flow necessary to attain long-term financial stability. By focusing on these core principles, the company continues to redefine how consumers manage debt and build lasting financial health.

About Achieve

Achieve, the fintech for everyday Americans, helps everyday people get on, and stay on, the path to a better financial future. Achieve pairs proprietary data and analytics with personalized support to offer personal loans, home equity loans, debt relief and debt consolidation, along with financial tips and education. Achieve is frequently recognized for providing top-rated customer experience and satisfaction by both consumers and leading personal finance review platforms and has 2,200 dedicated teammates across the country, with hubs in Arizona, California, Florida and Texas.

Achieve refers to the global organization and may denote one or more affiliates of Achieve Company, including Achieve.com, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #138464); Achieve Home Loans, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #1810501); Achieve Personal Loans (NMLS ID #227977); Freedom Debt Relief (NMLS ID # 1248929); and Freedom Financial Asset Management (CRD #170229).

Contacts

Austin Kilgore
akilgore@achieve.com
214-908-5097

Elina Tarkazikis
etarkazikis@achieve.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/achieve-earns-top-3-ranking-for-personal-loan-customer-satisfaction-from-lendingtree-302924429.html

SOURCE Achieve

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Mediaplanet Launches Men’s Mental Health Campaign in USA TODAY, Featuring Jake Shane, Howie Mandel, Kevin Love, Dr. Mark Hyman and Yung Pueblo

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October 30, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mediaplanet today announces the launch of its Men’s Mental Health campaign, publishing within USA TODAY and through the Future of Personal Health digital content hub. The national campaign brings together leading healthcare experts, mental health advocates, organizations, athletes and public figures to encourage more open conversations around men’s mental health and provide accessible, actionable resources for building healthier lives. Featuring Netflix podcaster and internet sensation Jake Shane as the publication’s cover story, the campaign also includes editorial from global influence Howie Mandel, All-Star athlete Kevin Love, Dr. Mark Hyman and author Yung Pueblo, offering personal experiences and expert perspectives on mental health, emotional well-being, resilience and personal growth.

Through personal stories, expert insights and practical resources, the campaign directly challenges the expectation that men should navigate mental health struggles alone while encouraging a more open and supportive approach to overall well-being. “I wish people would take care of their mental health the way we take care of our dental health,” said Howie Mandel. His perspective reflects the campaign’s broader mission to normalize mental health care as an essential part of everyday health and encourage men to prioritize their well-being before they reach a point of crisis.

The campaign was made possible through the participation and support of Vibrant Emotional Health, Financial Therapy Association, NOCD, Spear Center, NeuroStar Advanced Therapy, American Association of Kidney Patients, Crisis Text Line, YMCA, One Mind at Work, The Hidden Opponent, Kevin Love Fund, American College of Sports Medicine, Whitman-Walker, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, Dr. Mark Hyman, Yung Pueblo, Kevin Love, Howie Mandel and Jake Shane.

Media Contact: Joelle Hernandez, joelle.hernandez@mediaplanet.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mediaplanet-launches-mens-mental-health-campaign-in-usa-today-featuring-jake-shane-howie-mandel-kevin-love-dr-mark-hyman-and-yung-pueblo-302924437.html

SOURCE Mediaplanet

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Wonderloom Media’s Dr. Insanity Launches Patreon With Exclusive Content for Superfans Amid Rising Demand for Premium True Crime

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October 30, 2026

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Wonderloom Media’s true crime channel, with more than 6 million YouTube subscribers, gives its most dedicated fans a deeper way to experience its documentary-style storytelling

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Wonderloom Media, the creator economy studio formed by Content Partners and media entrepreneur Ed Simpson, today announced the launch of a Patreon membership for Dr. Insanity, one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, expanding the depth of content available to the channel’s biggest fans.

The Dr. Insanity Patreon offers members extended cuts of episodes, exclusive content and a community space, giving superfans more of the stories they follow on YouTube. The membership launches October 31 alongside a weeklong feature on a Times Square billboard, running through November 5.

Dr. Insanity now has more than 6.1 million YouTube subscribers and over 3 billion total views, and has continued to grow since Wonderloom acquired the channel in June 2026. The Patreon launch is part of Wonderloom’s push to expand Dr. Insanity’s content and bring it to fans wherever they watch, including its distribution on Tubi.

True crime superfans can become members of the Dr. Insanity Patreon at www.patreon.com/c/DrInsanity

About Wonderloom Media
Wonderloom Media is a creator-first media platform that acquires, operates and scales YouTube-native content businesses. Formed by Content Partners and media entrepreneur Ed Simpson, Wonderloom brings institutional operating experience, expanded distribution and 360° monetization to digital-native properties with loyal audiences and long-term growth potential. Its portfolio includes Dr. Insanity, one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, with more than 6.1 million subscribers and over 3 billion views.

About Dr. Insanity
Dr. Insanity is one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, known for documentary-style storytelling and a loyal, highly engaged audience. The channel has more than 6.1 million subscribers and over 3 billion views. https://www.youtube.com/@DrInsanityCrime 

Media Contact:
Michal Mitchell
Wonderloom@relativity.ventures

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wonderloom-medias-dr-insanity-launches-patreon-with-exclusive-content-for-superfans-amid-rising-demand-for-premium-true-crime-302922403.html

SOURCE Wonderloom Media

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