Onboard NurseCon at Sea, Hundreds of Nurses Opened Up About Money. You Might See Yourself in What They Shared.
At NurseCon at Sea 2025, we had the amazing opportunity to talk with hundreds of nurses about something that’s rarely discussed at work: managing money.
In between CE credits and cruise games, nurses shared what it really feels like to manage finances while working 12-hour shifts, raising kids, paying off student loans, and trying to find some stability in the chaos. These honest conversations help us build better products that fit your lifestyle. And if you’ve ever felt behind, confused, or just tired of trying to make your paycheck stretch, keep reading. You’re not alone.
💬 “I want to manage money better, but I was never taught how.”
Nurses want to make smart money decisions. But most never taught how to manage money and now they’re trying to figure it out in 15-minute breaks between patients.
In our survey, nurses ranked their top financial learning needs:
- 32% said paying off credit card debt
- 31% said building a budget
- 30% said understanding retirement basics
“I don’t do numbers. I need a plan, I just don’t know how to make one.”
“Give me something short and clear I can use during a break.”
You’re not alone: In a national survey, 41% of nurses said they worry about family finances and debt outside of work (American Nurses Foundation).
How Salarly helps: We’re building tools that don’t talk down to you, they walk with you. Our financial lessons are built for real nurse lives: short, practical, and totally free of jargon.
🚨 “I Thought I Was Doing Okay… Until Everything Broke.”
One of the loudest themes from NurseCon? Financial instability. Even when things seem okay. Many nurses said they were saving, budgeting, doing the “right” things, until life happened and it became difficult to manage money.
In our survey, 63% of nurses said they’d use savings for a $2,000 emergency. But almost 40% said they’d need to rely on credit cards or couldn’t cover it at all.
You also told us what keeps throwing your budget off:
- No Time to Budget
- Decision Fatigue
- High Costs of Parenting
- Surprise bills and home repairs
- Medical costs
“Yesterday, I got charged for something unexpected again.”
“I still rely on my parents when something big happens.”
You’re not alone: 64% of nurses reported feeling financially stressed, and 57% felt emotionally exhausted by it (Working Nurse).
How Salarly helps: Our tools are built for these moments. From flexible emergency support to a soon-to-launch guide on preparing for the unexpected, we’re here to help you plan ahead, even when life doesn’t.
🧾 “I’m not drowning, but I’m not okay.”
Debt isn’t about bad decisions. It’s about survival.
At Nurse Con, the biggest challenges with managing money as a nurse you shared were:
- 28% said credit card debt
- 26% cited constant unexpected expenses
- 22% pointed to burnout and lack of time for budgeting
“I go all in for my kids because my mom didn’t.”
“I’m covering graduation, sports, private school… and just trying to keep up.”
You’re not alone: More than half of nurses say they feel less confident about their finances now than they did a year ago (ASRN).
How Salarly helps: Whether it’s consolidating debt or building a simple budget, we’re focused on tools that relieve pressure, not add new to-dos.
You can be doing everything “right” and still feel stuck. That’s the truth Salarly is built around.
🤝 “I trust people who helped me when things got bad.”
Nurses didn’t ask for flashy features. They asked for calm, respectful, and consistent support.
What nurses value in a financial partner:
- 44% want lower rates or better terms
- 39% want nurse-specific benefits like insurance or perks
- 35% want tools for budgeting and saving
“My bank helped when someone stole my card.”
“Don’t sell my info.”
You’re not alone: In our focus group, most nurses said they stay loyal to brands that delivered calm, fast help, not the ones with the best app. It’s not about perks or branding. It’s about support that shows up when you need it most.
How Salarly helps: We offer real-time support, early pay, and fraud protection with no gimmicks, no hidden fees, and no selling your data.
Trust isn’t earned with marketing. It’s earned through real-life moments.
🎯 If Any of This Sounds Familiar… Try Salarly to Manage Finances Better
You’re not the only one who feels stuck or wants more control. And you’re definitely not the only one wondering, “Why is this so hard?”
Salarly is not an app full of upsells or jargon. It’s a financial partner built by people who listened to nurses.
📚 Want a Little Financial Clarity on Your Break?
Coming soon: the Salarly Nurse Learning Hub, with lessons like:
- 💳 How to Pay Off Debt When You’re Tired of Thinking About It
- 📊 Budgeting Without a Spreadsheet
- 🚨 Emergency Plans That Don’t Rely on Your Parents
- 🧓 Retirement Basics That Make Sense Now, Not Someday
No lectures. Just clear tools for managing finances, designed for 15-minute breaks. Click here to sign up and be one the first Nurses to try this platform.
Try Salarly.
Not because we’re selling you something, but because we see you.
And we built something that finally sees you back.
FAQS: How to Manage Money
What is the best financial help for nurses in 2025?
The best financial help for nurses in 2025 is support that fits your schedule, understands your stress, and offers flexible tools. Salarly was built with nurses in mind, offering payroll-linked loans, budgeting support, and soon, a Nurse Learning Hub with quick, easy-to-follow lessons.
Is the platform that teaches nurses how to budget free to use?
Yes. Our upcoming financial learning platform is completely free for nurses. Whether you’re trying to pay off debt, build an emergency fund, or finally understand budgeting, we believe you deserve access to clear, judgment-free education, no matter where you bank or work.
What should I do if I can’t afford an emergency expense?
You’re not alone, 13% of nurses in our Nurse Con survey said they couldn’t cover a $2,000 emergency at all, and nearly 40% would need to rely on credit. Salarly’s tools are designed to help you manage those emergencies now and start building a financial cushion for the future.
Why do nurses struggle with credit card debt, and how can I get ahead of mine?
Nurses told us debt often comes from caring for others: kids, bills, or surprise costs. Salarly helps you consolidate debt and take back control with tools that reduce stress, not add to it.
How can I learn how to manage money as a nurse?
Our Learning Hub is built to show you how to manage money in a way that fits your life. Whether you’re budgeting, paying off debt, or preparing for emergencies, it’s all broken down in 15-minute lessons made for nurses.
