As the US economy struggles under the weight of President Trump's policies, Americans are reining in their holiday spending, citing rising prices and uncertainty as major concerns.
The prospect of gifting loved ones has become a daunting task for many, with increasing costs making it difficult to splurge on luxuries. For Grace Brown, 34, of Charlotte, North Carolina, her budget for gifts has shrunk significantly over the past year due to rising prices. "Prices for everything have gone up," she said. "It's kind of hard to have luxuries." Instead of buying gifts, Brown and her fiancé are focusing on supporting local artists in Asheville, North Carolina.
The economic anxiety is palpable among Americans, with many expressing fear over the labor market. Unemployment expectations dropped after Trump's election, but they've been climbing up over the past year. For Sarah Tenbensel, a Minneapolis resident, this means she may need to take on a second job soon due to rising expenses like homeowner's insurance and property taxes.
A recent economic boycott has also gained traction among consumers frustrated with national politics. Shari Dunn, 57, of Oregon, participates in the movement, citing "instability and fear" as major concerns. For Linda McKim Bell, 79, of Portland, Oregon, this means opting out of shopping altogether and instead making homemade gifts, like orange marmalade and pastries.
These sentiments are reflected in recent surveys, which indicate a 4% drop in holiday spending compared to last year. Deloitte estimates that Americans will spend less on gifts due to economic uncertainty. The National Retail Federation also expects a 1.3% decline in holiday spending this year.
The economic downturn has left many feeling anxious and uncertain about their financial futures. As the White House continues to implement its policies, consumers are taking matters into their own hands by making conscious choices about how they spend their money. By voting with their dollars, Americans hope to send a message that economic uncertainty must be addressed.
The prospect of gifting loved ones has become a daunting task for many, with increasing costs making it difficult to splurge on luxuries. For Grace Brown, 34, of Charlotte, North Carolina, her budget for gifts has shrunk significantly over the past year due to rising prices. "Prices for everything have gone up," she said. "It's kind of hard to have luxuries." Instead of buying gifts, Brown and her fiancé are focusing on supporting local artists in Asheville, North Carolina.
The economic anxiety is palpable among Americans, with many expressing fear over the labor market. Unemployment expectations dropped after Trump's election, but they've been climbing up over the past year. For Sarah Tenbensel, a Minneapolis resident, this means she may need to take on a second job soon due to rising expenses like homeowner's insurance and property taxes.
A recent economic boycott has also gained traction among consumers frustrated with national politics. Shari Dunn, 57, of Oregon, participates in the movement, citing "instability and fear" as major concerns. For Linda McKim Bell, 79, of Portland, Oregon, this means opting out of shopping altogether and instead making homemade gifts, like orange marmalade and pastries.
These sentiments are reflected in recent surveys, which indicate a 4% drop in holiday spending compared to last year. Deloitte estimates that Americans will spend less on gifts due to economic uncertainty. The National Retail Federation also expects a 1.3% decline in holiday spending this year.
The economic downturn has left many feeling anxious and uncertain about their financial futures. As the White House continues to implement its policies, consumers are taking matters into their own hands by making conscious choices about how they spend their money. By voting with their dollars, Americans hope to send a message that economic uncertainty must be addressed.
. It's like my aunt said, prices are just going up and up, it's hard to afford luxuries anymore 
. I remember last year I was able to splurge on a new laptop, but this year it's all about making do with what we have 
. My friends and I are trying to be more mindful of our spending and support local artists like my aunt does in Asheville 
. It's interesting that some people are even starting their own economic boycotts 
...I guess it's a way to express our concerns about the state of things 
.
I remember when I was growing up, Christmas was all about buying gifts for the people you loved, and it didn't matter if your family was struggling financially or not. It was just about being festive and making each other happy. Nowadays, it seems like people are actually worried about affording a turkey let alone some fancy gifts! 
I'm all for supporting local artists, but it's also kinda sad that people have to make do with less because of the economy. I mean, I get that prices have gone up and all, but can't we just get back to that feeling of generosity and community? Instead of boycotting shopping or making homemade gifts, why not try to find ways to give back to your community while still being mindful of your wallet? That's what I'd do if I were in their shoes... 
. Maybe this economic anxiety is a wake-up call for Trump's policies to change 
. The boycotts might make some noise, but we'll see if it sticks 
.
️! People need to stop blaming one guy for their financial struggles. It's time for some personal responsibility, you know? And those local artists in Asheville? Good on 'em for taking matters into their own hands 
. Maybe we should all start supporting small businesses and making our own gifts instead of buying into the consumerist culture... just saying 
.
... like buying from local artists instead of just grabbing something flashy from the mall 
What's going to happen if people just stop spending altogether? Is that really the answer to economic uncertainty or is it more about being frugal and smart with your cash 
?
. But nope, now we gotta be all responsible with our money like we're trying to win some kind of award for "Most Frugal Person". Give me a break 
. I mean, who says we can't splurge on ourselves every once in a while? It's the holiday season, after all... it's supposed to be about having fun and being merry!
And it makes sense that people would be trying to cut back or make more conscious choices about how they spend their money. I'm actually kinda rooting for this economic boycott movement 
– like, if enough people say "no" to supporting policies that are making them feel anxious and uncertain, maybe something will change at the White House. We'll just have to wait and see what happens...
And she didn't need some big store to buy them from. Nowadays, people are all about saving money and supporting local artists, which is actually pretty cool 
I'm really worried about what's happening with the economy right now... like, I know we're living in uncertain times and all, but it feels like things are getting super tight for people. My aunt just told me she can't afford to buy gifts this year because her rent went up and she's struggling to make ends meet 
But seriously, it's disheartening to see people having to choose between supporting local artists or just scraping by. I hope whoever is in charge can figure out a way to make things more stable for everyone 
!
. I know some people are trying to cut back on expenses and support local artists instead of overspending on gifts. But at the same time, it's hard not to feel like we're missing out on some special moments with loved ones. I've been trying to reduce my own spending too, but sometimes it feels like it's just a Band-Aid solution 
. What's the real impact of all these economic changes? Can we really make a difference by voting with our wallets? 
I've been thinking of making a DIY gift exchange with my squad instead - we can make our own crafts and have each other over for a potluck dinner 
. And honestly, who needs fancy presents when you've got good company and a delicious homemade meal? 
Let's take back Christmas from the stress of economic uncertainty 
And if that means taking on a second job or skipping shopping altogether, so be it - at least they're in control of their finances 
I'm literally stressing over the holiday season because prices just keep rising 
! But honestly, I'm still not sure how I'm gonna afford gifts for my loved ones