10 Worst States to Live in If You Want to Get Ahead Financially in 2026

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Where you live could be hurting your ability to build wealth.In this episode of The Table with Anthony O'Neal, Anthony breaks down CNBC's 2026 rankings of the 10 worst states to live in if you want to get ahead financially. But this isn't just another countdown. He explains why financial freedom is about more than your income and how factors like healthcare, childcare, crime, worker protections, and cost of living can quietly drain your budget and limit your opportunities.This episode will help you evaluate where you live through a wealth-building lens. Anthony also shares practical steps you can take to protect your finances, even if you have no plans to move.Read the Article: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/11/worst-states-to-live-in-america-2026.htmlKEY POINTS 00:00 – Introduction04:48 – Building wealth is about more than math, your environment matters too05:57 – The five factors that can quietly cost you thousands each year06:24 – The 10 worst states to live in financially, ranked from #10 to #119:46 – What to do if you already live in one of these states21:14 – Why a bigger paycheck isn't always a financial upgrade21:36 – How to build wealth no matter where you live22:55 – Why the goal isn't more money, it's more freedomQUOTES "Building wealth is math plus environment.” – Anthony O'Neal"A bigger paycheck and a state that costs you more in hidden ways is not a raise. Sometimes it's a pay cut disguised as an opportunity." – Anthony O'Neal"What's the course we're aiming for? You all know it's not more money. It's more freedom. Money plays a role in that. But freedom is the end goal." – Anthony O'NealABOUT ANTHONY ONEAL:Anthony O'Neal is a nationally bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Table with Anthony O'Neal. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance & Banking and is a professor of Consumer Economics at Virginia Union University. Since 2014, he's helped millions of people get out of debt, build wealth, and break generational poverty. His mission is to help you maximize your income, eliminate debt, and c