Financial distress can affect individuals across the income spectrum, impacting both low- and high-income earners. This study investigates the influence of individual characteristics and neurotic personality traits on personal financial distress, with financial behavior serving as a mediating factor. Data were collected from 600 respondents in Indonesia and analyzed using structural equation modeling with the partial least squares (PLS) approach. The findings indicate that, at a 5% significance level, neurotic personality traits significantly impact both financial behavior and personal financial distress. Individuals with higher levels of neuroticism tend to exhibit lower investment consideration, increasing their likelihood of incurring debt and experiencing financial difficulties. However, positive financial behavior can help alleviate the financial distress associated with high neuroticism.
