US Consumers Cautious Amid Economic Uncertainty, Slashing Holiday Spending Plans
As the holiday season approaches, Americans are scaling back on their spending plans due to growing concerns about the state of the economy. Despite efforts by the White House to mitigate fears through tariff-funded stimulus checks and trade policies, consumers remain anxious about the rising cost of living.
Many respondents expressed frustration over the past year's steady price increases, which have squeezed their budgets and forced them to cut back on discretionary spending. A 3% rise in prices, as reported by the Conference Board, has taken a significant toll on consumer confidence, with the latest surveys showing a drop in sentiment since Trump announced his tariffs.
For some, concerns go beyond just higher prices; they're also driven by fears about employment and economic instability. Jeffrey Larimore, 68, of Caldwell, Idaho, says that the tariffs have forced him to significantly reduce their spending, cutting back on weekend trips and dining out. "We had enough disposable income to spoil our granddaughters," he said. "Since the tariffs raised the cost of living, we've cut out all that."
The National Retail Federation estimates that holiday spending could be down 4% compared to last year, while Deloitte projects a 1.3% decline. This caution is not limited to discretionary spending; many respondents are also concerned about the rising costs of essential expenses such as groceries and homeowner's insurance.
As a result, some consumers have adopted alternative shopping habits, opting for experiences like supporting local artists or participating in economic boycotts. Shari Dunn, 57, from Oregon, says she's participating in the Black Friday boycott to express her frustration with national politics. "It's more than just tariffs – it's everything. The instability and fear."
Meanwhile, Grace Brown, 34, of Charlotte, North Carolina, has scaled back her holiday spending plans due to rising prices. She says that her budget for gifts has shrunk significantly over the past year, forcing her to make tough choices about what she can afford. "Prices for everything have gone up," she said. "It's kind of hard to have luxuries."
The economic uncertainty is taking a toll on Americans' holiday plans, with many opting to prioritize experiences like spending time with family and friends over material gifts. As one respondent noted, "You vote with your dollars."
As the holiday season approaches, Americans are scaling back on their spending plans due to growing concerns about the state of the economy. Despite efforts by the White House to mitigate fears through tariff-funded stimulus checks and trade policies, consumers remain anxious about the rising cost of living.
Many respondents expressed frustration over the past year's steady price increases, which have squeezed their budgets and forced them to cut back on discretionary spending. A 3% rise in prices, as reported by the Conference Board, has taken a significant toll on consumer confidence, with the latest surveys showing a drop in sentiment since Trump announced his tariffs.
For some, concerns go beyond just higher prices; they're also driven by fears about employment and economic instability. Jeffrey Larimore, 68, of Caldwell, Idaho, says that the tariffs have forced him to significantly reduce their spending, cutting back on weekend trips and dining out. "We had enough disposable income to spoil our granddaughters," he said. "Since the tariffs raised the cost of living, we've cut out all that."
The National Retail Federation estimates that holiday spending could be down 4% compared to last year, while Deloitte projects a 1.3% decline. This caution is not limited to discretionary spending; many respondents are also concerned about the rising costs of essential expenses such as groceries and homeowner's insurance.
As a result, some consumers have adopted alternative shopping habits, opting for experiences like supporting local artists or participating in economic boycotts. Shari Dunn, 57, from Oregon, says she's participating in the Black Friday boycott to express her frustration with national politics. "It's more than just tariffs – it's everything. The instability and fear."
Meanwhile, Grace Brown, 34, of Charlotte, North Carolina, has scaled back her holiday spending plans due to rising prices. She says that her budget for gifts has shrunk significantly over the past year, forcing her to make tough choices about what she can afford. "Prices for everything have gone up," she said. "It's kind of hard to have luxuries."
The economic uncertainty is taking a toll on Americans' holiday plans, with many opting to prioritize experiences like spending time with family and friends over material gifts. As one respondent noted, "You vote with your dollars."
This is so true, people are really being cautious about their finances this year. I mean, who wants to stress out during the holidays? 
I'm feeling a bit anxious myself, thinking about all the bills I need to pay and my savings account balance 
. It's good that some folks are finding ways to make the most of it by doing experiences over buying stuff 
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. And I'm not surprised that Shari Dunn is participating in the Black Friday boycott, her frustration with national politics is totally valid 
. On a more positive note, I think supporting local artists and participating in economic boycotts can be super empowering for consumers 
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. It's like, you're not just buying stuff for the sake of it, but because it brings joy or creates a special memory 
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. Hope things start looking up soon! 
people are getting super anxious about the economy and it's affecting their holiday spending 
. It's not just about tariffs, either - prices for everything seem to be rising 
. As a result, some people are opting for experiences instead of material stuff, like supporting local artists or participating in economic boycotts 
. I think it's a good way to send a message, but at the same time, it's also kinda hard on the wallet 
. Maybe the White House can do something to ease concerns about employment and economic stability? Fingers crossed that things start looking up soon 
especially when you consider how much inflation has been going up lately! 
especially with things like groceries and insurance getting more expensive all the time. 
Its like, what even is the point of trying to splurge a little this holiday season when you know its just gonna get eaten away by inflation anyway? 
. And can we talk about how tariffs have become a major buzzkill for a lot of folks? I mean, Shari's Black Friday boycott is on point 
. Maybe it's time for us to start prioritizing experiences over material gifts and just...you know, live our best lives 
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. It's always sad when people have to tighten their budgets due to economic uncertainty. But on the other hand, I get it - we've seen some pretty steep price hikes over the past year and that can be really frustrating 
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️. Maybe we can get some good economic news soon? A guy can dream... 
. It's not just about tariffs or prices, it's about feeling secure and stable in this crazy world 
. I wish there was a way to ease that worry for them, so they could enjoy the holiday season without stress 
. It's heartbreaking to think that people have to choose between luxuries and necessities 
and now ppl r cutting back on holiday spendin plans?? 
. Do we really value experiences over material goods? Can't we find ways to make both affordable and enjoyable for everyone? I know it's easy to say, but someone's gotta try 
I'm not surprised to see people scaling back on their holiday spending plans. Prices have been rising for ages, and it's only natural for consumers to get a little anxious about the state of the economy. 
. All this fuss about tariffs and economic uncertainty is just a bunch of noise 
. It's not like the White House isn't trying to help out – those stimulus checks are a great start! 
That's just basic math, folks. If prices go up, you cut back. It's not that complicated. And don't even get me started on the Black Friday boycott... like, what's next? 
. It's not like anyone owes you a luxury gift because the economy isn't perfect. You make choices, you live with them.
. Its all about finding ways to save and make do, not getting stressed out over it 
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. Folks are having to make some tough choices between what they can afford and what they want to splurge on. And it's not just big-ticket items either, even everyday essentials like groceries and insurance are feeling the pinch 
. It's all about finding that balance and being mindful of how our spending affects others 
That's what I'm all about - living below our means & making the most of our hard-earned cash 
. And don't even get me started on homeowner's insurance... it feels like they're nickel-and-diming us left and right