Category Basics

Food inflation is putting serious pressure on household budgets across the U.S., even though overall inflation is slowly easing. In August, food prices were up 3.1% compared to a year ago, with major jumps in everyday items like beef (13.1% increase), coffee (up nearly 20%), and soup (up 4%). These increases are hitting lower- and middle-income families the hardest, as they already spend a larger share of their income on food. Experts say the higher prices are being driven by climate-related supply problems and leftover trade tariffs that make importing goods more expensive. Even with gas prices falling, the cost of essentials like food and rent keeps consumers worried about their financial future.

As of October 2025, the U.S. economy is facing ongoing challenges with inflation staying higher than the Federal Reserve's target, even though it has started to cool down a bit. This situation puts the Fed in a tough spot as it tries to balance keeping prices stable without slowing the economy too much. A key report that tracks inflation, called the Consumer Price Index (CPI), has been delayed due to a government shutdown, making it harder for experts to assess the economy. While the Fed has recently lowered interest rates to help boost growth, the effects on everyday credit card interest rates are likely to be small, since credit card companies don’t lower their rates as quickly. Slower consumer spending also suggests some weakening in the economy, although there was a slight bounce-back in the third quarter.

As of October 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially made the switch to fully electronic payments for all Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. This means that paper checks are no longer being mailed, and payments are now only sent through direct deposit or prepaid debit cards. The change is part of a federal effort to make benefit delivery faster, safer, and less vulnerable to fraud. This update comes during a time of political tension and economic uncertainty, which has made many people—especially retirees and individuals with disabilities—worried about the stability of their income. For those relying on these benefits, knowing their payments will arrive securely and on time is more important than ever.

In 2025, Americans are planning to spend more during the holiday season, even though the economy is facing some challenges. According to a report by NerdWallet, total gift spending is expected to reach $242 billion, with people spending an average of $182 more than last year. Nearly half of U.S. adults also plan to travel, spending about $2,586 on flights and hotels. This increase in spending is partly due to higher prices caused by tariffs—taxes on imported goods—which drive up the cost of products. In fact, 65% of shoppers say they’re worried about these price increases. At the same time, many families are still feeling the effects of past financial stress, making it harder to balance holiday joy with smart budgeting.

In a recent speech, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell gave an update on the U.S. economy, pointing out some growing concerns. Although parts of the economy are stronger than expected, the job market is showing signs of weakness. Fewer people are joining the workforce, and immigration has slowed, leading to smaller job gains. This makes it harder for employers to hire and for workers to find new opportunities. At the same time, inflation remains a problem, with prices staying high even as the Fed works to control them. Because of a government shutdown, official jobs data has been delayed, so experts are turning to private sources to track what’s really happening. Powell’s main challenge now is balancing the fight against inflation while also keeping people employed, which is the Fed’s dual mission.

In 2025, many American families are feeling the impact of tariffs that were put in place during Donald Trump's presidency. These tariffs, which are extra taxes on imported goods, were meant to protect U.S. industries by making foreign products more expensive. However, they’ve also caused prices to rise on everyday items like coffee, smartphones, laptops, and toys. For example, laptop prices have jumped by 46% and coffee is nearly 10% more expensive. As a result, the cost of living has gone up, and the average household is now paying around $1,200 more each year. This shows how international politics and trade policies can directly affect what Americans pay at the store.