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Inflation in the U.S. remains a big concern as prices for basic needs like food, housing, and energy continue to rise faster than expected. According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, prices increased by 0.4% in August and are now 2.9% higher than they were a year ago. This is more than the Federal Reserve's target of 2% inflation. To slow inflation, the Fed has been raising interest rates, which makes borrowing more expensive for things like car loans, credit cards, and mortgages. At the same time, more people are filing for unemployment benefits, a sign that the job market might be weakening. These economic changes are making it harder for many families to afford everyday living expenses.

A recent survey shows that Americans are spending more time than ever thinking about money—almost four hours a day. For younger people like Gen Z and millennials, it’s even higher at around five hours daily. This increase in financial stress comes from rising prices, political uncertainty, and questions about interest rates. Many people feel overwhelmed by decisions about saving, spending, and planning for the future. As the cost of living keeps going up, Americans are changing how they manage money and are more focused on finding ways to stay financially secure.

As of August 2025, inflation in the U.S. is still above the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%, with the current rate at 2.7%. This is a major change from the years before the pandemic, when inflation often stayed below the target. Today, higher prices affect many parts of the economy, not just food and energy. In fact, food prices have recently become more stable, meaning they aren’t pushing inflation up as much as before. Experts believe this ongoing rise in prices is due to deeper changes in the way prices are set, along with new government spending policies and global issues like trade conflicts and tariffs. These factors suggest that higher inflation may be sticking around longer than expected.

With money stress at an all-time high, many Americans are struggling to stay calm and make smart financial choices. Rising prices, job worries, and global events have made it hard for people to feel financially secure. Experts say that stress often leads to short-term thinking or avoiding money problems altogether, which only makes things worse. A new method called “worry time” is helping people take control. Borrowed from cognitive-behavioral therapy, this technique involves setting aside just 15 minutes a week to face money fears, make a plan, and write down next steps. By limiting when and how we worry, people can reduce anxiety and make clearer financial decisions.

In recent years, wealthy Millennials and Gen Z consumers have been spending more than ever, especially on luxury travel, dining, and experiences. This surge in high-end spending has helped companies like American Express hit record profits, particularly through their premium Platinum cardholders. At the same time, the middle class is being more careful with money due to high living costs, student loan payments, and slow wage growth. According to Moody’s Analytics, the richest 10% of Americans now drive nearly half of all consumer spending, showing a growing divide in how different income groups experience the economy.

In 2025, many Americans are changing how they spend money because of ongoing economic problems like inflation, high interest rates, and global conflicts. A new survey found that 92% of people have adjusted their spending in the last six months, and most say these changes will last. People are becoming much more careful with their money, focusing on getting the best value rather than buying based on brand names or trends. In fact, 85% have switched to cheaper or more practical brands. Consumers are now thinking more about their long-term financial well-being, choosing to spend more wisely and with purpose.