The fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has been so wide-reaching that 50 percent of Americans say they are now worse off than a year ago, the most since the Great Recession of 2008 and 2009.
A study by Gallup found that only 35 percent of Americans reported that they are better financial positions than they were just a year ago. The analytics firm has been surveying Americans on the state of their finances since 1976 and said it is rare that half or more of the country report they are doing worse financially than the year before.
Last year, the survey was even with 41 percent saying they were in better positions and 41 percent reporting that they were worse off.
The dropoff in financial security is linked to historically high inflation rates and a drop in a stock market value despite personal wages spiking. When it comes to low-income earners, 61 percent say their finances have diminished over the last year. Just 26 percent reported improvements.
While the current inflation rate sits at 6.5 percent, Americans say they are hopeful about the future. Sixty percent of respondents said they expect their finances to improve in the next year.
Gallup concluded that there could be chance to avoid an economic recession if financial optimism remains high and Americans continue to spend, ultimately boosting the economy.
Retailers face tariffs and cost challenges this holiday season. Wells Fargo's Lauren Murphy shares insights on pricing, promotions, and shopping trends.
Dateability, founded by sisters Jacqueline and Alexa Child, is the only dating app for disabled and chronically ill communities, fostering love without limits.
Some small grocery stores and neighborhood convenience stores are eager for the U.S. government shutdown to end and for their customers to start receiving federal food aid again. Late last month, the Trump administration froze funding for the SNAP benefits that about 42 million Americans use to buy groceries. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says about 74% of the assistance was spent last year at superstores like Walmart and supermarkets like Kroger. Around 14% went to smaller stores that are more accessible to SNAP beneficiaries. A former director of the United Nations World Food Program says SNAP is not only a social safety net for families but a local economic engine that supports neighborhood businesses.
Andy Baehr, Head of Product at CoinDesk Indices, breaks down crypto’s Black Friday crash, Bitcoin dipping under $100K, and what’s driving the market rout.
Billionaire Warren Buffett warned shareholders Monday that many companies will fare better than his Berkshire Hathaway in the decades ahead as Father Time catches up
