Consumers in the US Are Cutting Holiday Spending Amid Rising Prices and Economic Uncertainty
As the holiday season approaches, Americans are bracing themselves for a more frugal celebration due to concerns over inflation and economic instability. According to recent surveys, many consumers plan to cut back on their spending, with some even opting out of shopping altogether.
Pricing pressures continue to weigh heavily on household budgets, with data showing that prices rose 3% in September, compared to 2.3% in April. The Conference Board's consumer confidence index has also plummeted to its lowest level since April, indicating widespread anxiety among consumers.
For some, the rising cost of living is not just a financial burden but also a source of emotional distress. "Prices for everything have gone up," said Grace Brown, 34, from Charlotte, North Carolina. "It's kind of hard to have luxuries."
The economic uncertainty surrounding President Trump's policies has led to a decline in consumer confidence. The University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers reported a drop in confidence after the summer, and many consumers are feeling the pinch.
"I'm scrambling to find some way to preserve some aspect of magic for my children," said Ryan, a retired law enforcement officer from Texas. "I spent my life in service to my country. What he has done breaks my heart."
The impact of rising prices is not limited to essential goods; even discretionary spending is being affected. Deloitte estimates that holiday shopping could be down 4% compared to last year, while the National Retail Federation says the amount of money Americans are planning to spend this year is down 1.3%.
Some consumers are taking matters into their own hands by participating in economic boycotts and opting for alternative forms of celebration. Shari Dunn, 57, from Oregon, said she is participating in a Black Friday shopping holiday boycott, while Linda McKim Bell, 79, from Portland, Oregon, has tried not to buy anything new since Trump took office.
As consumers adapt to the new economic reality, many are turning to local businesses and community-supported initiatives as an alternative to big-box retailers. Brown said she and her fiancé will be supporting local artists in Asheville, North Carolina, this holiday season.
"It's more than just tariffs – it's everything," Dunn said. "The instability and fear" – these are the words that capture the sentiment of many Americans as they navigate the uncertain economic landscape.
As the holiday season approaches, Americans are bracing themselves for a more frugal celebration due to concerns over inflation and economic instability. According to recent surveys, many consumers plan to cut back on their spending, with some even opting out of shopping altogether.
Pricing pressures continue to weigh heavily on household budgets, with data showing that prices rose 3% in September, compared to 2.3% in April. The Conference Board's consumer confidence index has also plummeted to its lowest level since April, indicating widespread anxiety among consumers.
For some, the rising cost of living is not just a financial burden but also a source of emotional distress. "Prices for everything have gone up," said Grace Brown, 34, from Charlotte, North Carolina. "It's kind of hard to have luxuries."
The economic uncertainty surrounding President Trump's policies has led to a decline in consumer confidence. The University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers reported a drop in confidence after the summer, and many consumers are feeling the pinch.
"I'm scrambling to find some way to preserve some aspect of magic for my children," said Ryan, a retired law enforcement officer from Texas. "I spent my life in service to my country. What he has done breaks my heart."
The impact of rising prices is not limited to essential goods; even discretionary spending is being affected. Deloitte estimates that holiday shopping could be down 4% compared to last year, while the National Retail Federation says the amount of money Americans are planning to spend this year is down 1.3%.
Some consumers are taking matters into their own hands by participating in economic boycotts and opting for alternative forms of celebration. Shari Dunn, 57, from Oregon, said she is participating in a Black Friday shopping holiday boycott, while Linda McKim Bell, 79, from Portland, Oregon, has tried not to buy anything new since Trump took office.
As consumers adapt to the new economic reality, many are turning to local businesses and community-supported initiatives as an alternative to big-box retailers. Brown said she and her fiancé will be supporting local artists in Asheville, North Carolina, this holiday season.
"It's more than just tariffs – it's everything," Dunn said. "The instability and fear" – these are the words that capture the sentiment of many Americans as they navigate the uncertain economic landscape.
... inflation is literally draining peoples wallets 
, and its not just the money stuff either - its emotional too 
. I feel for those who r struggling to make ends meet 
. President Trump's policies might be making people nervous 
. Some ppl are trying 2 boycott shopping on black friday or finding ways 2 support local biz instead of big box retailers 
. Its all about being mindful of ur spending & not letting prices get u down 
. Maybe we can just enjoy the little things & make this holiday season special in our own way 
, i mean, i've been living in the us for a while now and it feels like every year is more expensive than the last... but at the same time, i get why people are cutting back on their spending - inflation can be really tough to deal with 
. It's like having a personal shopping assistant built-in! And have you heard about this new augmented reality platform that lets you try on clothes virtually? 
It's so cool!
. Not just because it's good for the economy, but also because it's a great way to find unique gifts and experiences that won't break the bank 
. Like, who needs all that packaging stuff? Just sayin'! Anyway, I'm sure things will get better soon... until then, let's just be kind to each other and try to make the most of our holiday season 
IT'S LIKE, WE DON'T NEED BIG-BOX RETAILERS TO MAKE US HAPPY, WE JUST NEED THE PEOPLE AROUND US 
BUT AT LEAST SHE'S FINDING WAYS TO MAKE IT WORK AND CELEBRATE IN HER OWN WAY 
Instead, everyone's all about being responsible and frugal... but what about the actual joy of giving gifts or treating ourselves to a nice dinner out? 
It feels like we're missing out on some quality time with loved ones. And then there are these economic boycotts and alternative celebrations that sound really cool, I guess 
With all these economic concerns, I think people are gonna be super tight on their wallets this holiday season 
. Some are even planning to boycott shopping or support local businesses instead of big-box retailers 
. I think that's a pretty cool way to take back control and find magic in your own community 
.
... some ppl are joinin economic boycotts, too 
... but, on the other hand, others r findin ways to still celebrate locally & support small businesses 
Americans are literally cutting out Christmas gifts because prices are too high 
. And with Trump's policies causing economic uncertainty... 
, not just the financial part but also the "luxuries" 
. I get it, though, prices have gone up everywhere 
. Maybe it's not about buying stuff, but about being with loved ones and having fun together 
.
I'm all for that economic boycott thing – it's about time someone stood up to the man (aka Trump) 
.
. We're not alone in this struggle, and I'm here to listen and offer any support I can 