Study shows that Florida and Georgia rank among top states where people search for financial help

Are you financially stressed? A new study by Coinfully.com, which analyzed Google searches tied to money worries, found Florida and Georgia rank among the top states where people are searching for help.

The study tracked more than 150 financial-stress-related terms people look up online—phrases like “debt help,” “cheap car insurance,” “rent help,” “cash advance,” and “how to get out of debt.” The states with the highest search activity included Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

Florida ranked third, averaging 424,507 searches per month, which comes out to about 1,877 searches per 100,000 residents. Georgia ranked fourth with 201,088 average monthly searches, or about 1,823 searches per 100,000 residents.

To see how those findings resonate locally, we spoke with people in our area. One parent told us they have searched for financial help “because I have been very broke.”

A college student said keeping up with rent is a constant struggle with only a part-time, minimum-wage job. Another person said they’ve changed spending habits—like choosing the lowest-priced items whenever possible—just to stay ahead.

For people feeling that financial pressure, local organizations may be able to help. Catholic Charities says it assists with essentials like food, rent support, and even help for people behind on their JEA bill.

The group said requests have increased significantly, including from people who have never needed assistance before. And while housing costs were a major driver a year or two ago, they say the need has broadened—more people are struggling with groceries, gas, and other everyday expenses.

Hear more of what Regional Director Eileen Seuter says Catholic Charities can provide for people needing emergency help.

Top Local Resources in Jacksonville

• Downtown Emergency Services (DESC): Located downtown in the First Presbyterian Church basement, this organization offers direct emergency financial assistance, case management, and a food pantry.
• City of Jacksonville Emergency Financial Assistance: The city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services department offers the Emergency Financial Assistance Program. You can call their social services line for help with rent, utilities, and other urgent needs.
• JEA Hardship Programs: If you are behind on your electric or water bill, JEA can connect you with local Community Resources to assist with utilities, food, and housing.
• Catholic Charities Bureau: Offers free assistance to people in need, regardless of faith, including help with unpaid rent and utility bills. You can reach out via Catholic Charities Instagram page.

County & State-Wide Programs

• 211 United Way: Calling 2-1-1 or visiting the United Way 211 site connects you to a local specialist who has real-time data on bill-paying resources in Duval County.

Mental Health Support

Financial stress takes a heavy toll on mental well-being. NAMI Jacksonville provides free support groups, education, and outreach programs to help individuals and families. You can reach out to them via their local helpline at (904) 323-4723 or by dialing 9-8-8 for immediate crisis care.

For a broader, searchable directory of other localized charities and government programs, you can filter by zip code on FindHelp.org.

If you are located in or moving your focus to Southeast Georgia, extensive regional networks offer free financial counseling, emergency bill assistance, and crisis relief.

Region-Wide Crisis Resolution

• Georgia 211 Helpline: Dial 211 from any phone to reach the United Ways of Georgia 211 Service. Specialists connect callers in the Coastal Empire and Southern regions to local food, housing, and utility funds.

Local Community Action Agencies

These organizations handle the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), emergency rental assistance, and financial literacy programs. Reach the agency managing your specific county:

• Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority: Serves Glynn, Camden, McIntosh, and surrounding coastal counties. Contact the main office in Brunswick at (912) 264-3281 or explore services through the Coastal Georgia Area CAA Portal.

• Action Pact: Serves inland Southeast Georgia counties (including Ware, Pierce, and Brantley). Reach the Waycross headquarters at (912) 285-6083 or look up local clinic sites on Action Pact Online.

State and Utility Support Programs