Americans are spending a lot less money due to the current state of the economy.
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (49198)
August 4, 2025 12:01pm CST
There are many reports that Americans are worried and are cutting back on everything they can--vacations, car upgrades, groceries, clothing, and the list goes on and on. Many are now purchasing used clothing rather than buying new. I've read that people are even bartering (the trading of one item or product for another with someone) if they have extra of something, but need something else.
Some people are even bartering their time and talents. I have a friend who is a beautiful seamstress. She has had two surgeries on her foot and can no longer do her yard work. Her funds are limited. She is altering/mending clothing for several people, in exchange for this, they are caring for her lawn. People with vegetable gardens are trading surplus vegetables for ones they didn't plant, or for farm eggs, etc.
According to a large June survey, some 83% of Americans are very concerned about the price of their groceries. Many people never eat in restaurants anymore, and many restaurants have closed. High food costs make for higher prices, and people cutting back on their spending are going to eat at home for a lot less money than they would spend eating out. People don't seem to go out casually anymore for coffee, ice cream, etc. I know all of our pizza places here (large college population) have constant sales and digital coupons for those who love their pizza.
What about you? Have you been cutting back on your ''wants'' and just concentrating on ''needs,'' or do you just spend like you did before all the prices started climbing?
https://www.bankrate.com/banking/no-buy-challenges-in-2025/
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/americans-are-slashing-their-spending-as-worries-over-the-economy-grow-this-time-feels-different/ar-AA1JTeu1?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=3ce56d2a33414695ed55bc8d876c3c4a&ei=20
18 people like this
17 responses
@AmbiePam (103625)
• United States
4 Aug
Eating at Chuy’s today with @FourWalls was the first time I’ve eaten at a restaurant in ages. I got a coupon for a sandwich a few days before that, but eating out has otherwise not happened. I’m not really disappointed by that though because my appetite has waned so much in recent months. I mean, it could not come at a better time.
Groceries are though, the biggest hit other than rent, and medication.
5 people like this
@AmbiePam (103625)
• United States
4 Aug
@MarieCoyle I’m grateful for being taught to live on less. My parents did it out of necessity, and now I do too.
For those who give to charity, I really hope they consider food banks. If not money, then what’s in their cabinet they haven’t used in awhile. It’s needed!
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
•
4 Aug
@AmbiePam
Yes, it is. I have especially noticed many seniors are really struggling. I was taught to cook, so I am fortunate to have that knowledge. I say it all the time, because my grandmothers both said it when I was growing up--''Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without''...they raised their children during the Depression, and they knew how important it was to use things and not waste.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
•
4 Aug
Amber, we don’t go out either. Once in a while a family member like my daughter or oldest son insists we meet them for a meal, but that’s rare as it’s hard to get us all together, and we don’t want to leave out my younger son if he isn’t well enough to go. I can generally buy enough groceries for two meals for son and I for the price of just one person’s restaurant meal.
Groceries is the biggest worry, yes. Then housing costs. I don’t run credit cards. We have always been frugal but now I am more careful than ever.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (484152)
• Italy
7 Aug
@MarieCoyle I was reading a piece of news yesterday, in Milan there are 4,000 people every day going to ask for food at the charities- This never happened in the past.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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7 Aug
I fear many are struggling more than we even know. And yes, the prices seem to rise daily now.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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7 Aug
@LadyDuck
One out of every six Americans has used or currently does use a food pantry/food bank. I think food insecurity is very real now, basically all over the world.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (154207)
• India
5 Aug
Trump should pout his own house in order rather than meddle with other countries.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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5 Aug
Some here will disagree with you, but many of us are very concerned about our future.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (54927)
• Canada
4 Aug
Every week there are more indications of basic necessities rising in prices.
We are cutting back everywhere that we can and making due with what we have as long as we can.
We are also trying to help our son and his wife understand the extreme need to practice this.
They are of the generation where they seem to think that everything needs to be replaced when they want it to be replaced.
They have been very diligent since 2019 with putting away money for large purchases, and not many their age would go without a car payment, but they do.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
•
4 Aug
Other than the son who is ill, my other three have decent incomes and are trying very hard to stretch their dollars. I know it’s a hard thing to teach anyone. We are sticking to the needs, not the wants.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (54927)
• Canada
4 Aug
@MarieCoyle My son and daughter-in-law both have good paying jobs with the government, but with the twins being so young, it seems like so much of what they buy is needs as well as wants, kids are expensive. I am glad that they are not paying for childcare, that is a huge savings.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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4 Aug
@Juliaacv
Childcare is wildly ridiculous here, too. And yes, kids are expensive, but as we know, they are more than worth it! 
1 person likes this
@rakski (148715)
• Philippines
8 Aug
@MarieCoyle that should alwasy be the case most especially now that sometimes the salary remains the same even when prices increase
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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9 Aug
@rakski
Yes, everything is going up except paychecks!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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7 Aug
Most people I know are watching their expenses very closely and trying to shop wisely.
1 person likes this
@Shivram59 (45779)
• India
15 Aug
I and my family live a simple life. We very rarely eat at hotels. We buy things that are very necessary. Currently we have no unpaid bills.As such we don't have to cut off our expenses.
1 person likes this
@Shivram59 (45779)
• India
17 Aug
@MarieCoyle I highly appreciate you for paying your bills immediately or as soon as possible. That's a wise strategy.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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20 Aug
@Shivram59
I just do the best I can. I do not charge things. I've seen too many people run up big balances on credit cards and it's scary.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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17 Aug
I live simply as well. I don't run bills I cannot pay. I know my limits and try very hard to stick to them.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (40326)
• Philippines
5 Aug
This really reflects the reality many people are facing now. It’s tough out there, and the way folks are adjusting—bartering, gardening, trading skills—shows how adaptable and resourceful people can be when times get tight. That example of your friend trading sewing work for lawn care is a beautiful reminder that even when money is limited, community support and creativity can still carry us through.
As for me, I’ve definitely become more mindful about spending. I wouldn’t say I’ve cut everything out completely, but I do think twice now—focusing more on what’s necessary than what’s nice to have. It’s all about finding balance: not denying yourself joy, but also being smart and intentional. And honestly, seeing people come together and help each other in small ways? That gives me hope.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (40326)
• Philippines
5 Aug
@MarieCoyle Many times in our lives, we discover goodness in the midst of difficulties or challenges. It brings out humanity's good qualities.
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@MarieCoyle (49198)
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5 Aug
I have seen so many people helping others. I love the bartering/trading work or services, the fellow down the street has a small business on a busy corner. He always mowed and trimmed it himself, but he has a heart condition, and the doctor told him to stop the mowing, etc. when it was so hot. So one of his customers heard him talking about finding someone to do it, and they worked it out that he would give the fellow one of his lawn mowers to keep if he would mow and trim the rest of the year for him. So nice when people work together to make things work, like you said.
@MarieCoyle (49198)
•
5 Aug
@rsa101
And it gives us some hope for better times. There are a lot of good people in the world, and when the chips are down, many of them try to step up in small ways that matter greatly to others in need.
1 person likes this
@much2say (57776)
• Los Angeles, California
5 Aug
I've always been pretty frugal . . . but pandemic times made me seriously learn to live "without" and be ok with it. Since then we have loosened up a bit, as if to live "back to normal", though still frugality was/is always on my mind. With things being the way they are now (as my neighbor said, our world is falling apart), nothing is feeling stable nor safe nor "normal . . .it's a must to keep watching those pennies (sheesh though, even "pennies" are soon going to be gone 
).
).1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
•
5 Aug
You are so right--things do not feel stable, or normal (is there such a thing as normal anymore?) We all have to keep on trying to get through this. I am OK doing without a lot of things. Many are down to basic survival, I feel fortunate to have a home to live in, and food to eat at this point. 
1 person likes this
@much2say (57776)
• Los Angeles, California
12 Aug
@MarieCoyle And I dread to think how things will after these tariffs start kicking in (oh we have not even begun to feel the actual affects) 
. Right - we are fortunate to have a roof over our heads and not starving . . . I worry for those who are not in this position .
. Right - we are fortunate to have a roof over our heads and not starving . . . I worry for those who are not in this position .1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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13 Aug
@much2say
I worry as well. So many are one paycheck away from being hungry, homeless, or both. 
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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25 Aug
Yes, at this point many people are down to just needs, not wants, and no unnecessary expenditures.
@Marilynda1225 (86393)
• United States
5 Aug
The prices are constantly going up so I've been very diligent about spending. I'm always looking for bargains and now think twice before buying something. My biggest challenge is groceries.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (86393)
• United States
5 Aug
@MarieCoyle it certainly has become a challenge. I try to buy more things in Sams Club even if the stuff is bulk size. I just suck it up, pay the price and then break it all down into small portions. I'm finding it cheaper in the long run but the initial outlay of money is hard.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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7 Aug
@Marilynda1225
I know what you mean about the initial outlay thing. It's not a bargain if you have to take the money meant for something else to pay for a huge package of whatever to get the low price.
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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5 Aug
I understand that challenge, and you are not alone in it. I haven't been buying anything we can do without, but heck, we all have to eat something or other! It's frustrating.
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (21102)
• United States
5 Aug
Yes and no. I have bought some wants lately. But I also bought some needs for a trip I am taking in November.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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7 Aug
I am glad you are going to take a trip, I hope it's a nice time for you.
1 person likes this
@paigea (36217)
• Canada
4 Aug
We've always been pretty frugal. Yes, we're eating out slightly less. And slightly less likely to have a drink. Maybe just an appetizer each. Less likely to have dessert. We were already like that so just slightly more thoughtful. Partly, it's just too much food to order all the extras.
I don't stop for coffee after work unless I'm joining someone. So, cut down there. I'm buying quite a few less treats. Things like a tasty protein drink I like. Premier Protein. It's gone way up in price. When I look at the long list of ingredients, it's not real food anyway. So money better spent elsewhere.
Decisions like that.
We always stocked up on sale, and maybe putting more thought into that now.
Aiming for zero food waste.
1 person likes this
@paigea (36217)
• Canada
9 Aug
@MarieCoyle all good ways to watch our budget. I have luckily never liked pop.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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11 Aug
@paigea
I consider sodas as one of the biggest waste of money ever. Bubbly sugar...no thanks.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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4 Aug
I am with you for zero food waste! Most definitely, it gets used up. We don't buy soda, if we have a dessert it's one I have made at home. I do try to stay ahead on some items when I can, or when I find a great sale and can get there to get the item.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
•
6 Aug
I do agree that we all need to be more self sufficient, for sure. Worldwide uncertainty is certainly a good way to describe our current situation.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (202028)
• United States
5 Aug
I really don't spend much; so I haven't cut back; and I will still buy myself a treat once and a while. I'm still hoping to take cousin #3 to Red Lobster. I haven't been out to eat in over a year.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (202028)
• United States
7 Aug
@MarieCoyle I will do it some day. Olive Garden is still offering free delivery.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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7 Aug
@LindaOHio
Just do it...you will enjoy it and you need something different once in a while!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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7 Aug
You need to treat yourself to a dinner delivery every week. Once a week, order two dinners and you can have one the next day. It would give you something to look forward to, and a day without PB&J!
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (79095)
• United States
4 Aug
I’m thankful that I don’t have many needs. But shopping at Aldi is a must for me.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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5 Aug
Aldi is a must for us as well. My kids all shop there, too.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (38496)
• Toccoa, Georgia
4 Aug
If my husband didn't expect to have meat, I would buy less of it. But I am forced to buy it. I really try to buy cheaper cuts.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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4 Aug
Red meat is so, so pricey. I only buy ground beef, other than that we eat chicken or turkey, or another protein.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (123070)
• Marion, Ohio
4 Aug
We never spent a lot anyway on that stuff. So still have our weekly order out night
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49198)
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4 Aug
You and your husband still work hard, preserve foods, and are frugal. You set a great example for others, Eva.
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