How much more can the average American consumer take?
By NJ Chicaa
@NJChicaa (127767)
United States
August 24, 2026 7:20am CST
Well on top of Trump's unnecessary war of choice with Iran he has reignited what has been called "the dumbest trade war ever" with our neighbor Canada. He is ignorant and a bully and thinks that tariffs are paid by the countries he assesses them to instead of the American consumer. The tariffs are expected to hit US dairy, steel, lumber, and fertilizer components.
These will of course be passed on by companies to consumers. The "average" American consumer has been battling increasing prices since COVID first broke out and it has not gotten better. Yeah sure the fat cats are doing fine which is why I keep qualifying the description as the average US shopper.
I'm not a snob so I'll say that I make a good salary here in one of the most expensive states in the country. I'll be at over 6 figures by the time the tutoring and coverages are factored in. I'm almost over that already. I live by and support myself. I treat myself to nice things but I'm not someone who is constantly buying clothes, purses, shoes, jewelry, etc. You're more likely to find me buying a new cookbook, candles, or a gourmet cheese.
Still even I am having to juggle things after some pretty serious health issues this past spring where I missed work and the extra work that comes with it. I already was buying a lot of store brand groceries but now I notice that I'm just omitting things from the list (or removing them from the cart when I see the total). Do I need brie and a baguette for a Friday night treat? Nope. Do I need to pay $25 for a dozen fresh littleneck clams to make vognole? Nope.
All I can say is that it is a good thing that I have excellent medical insurance and private disability. (teachers aren't eligible for state disability in NJ) Without those I likely would be up the creek without a paddle. . . and remember I do okay. I just don't know how much more of the increasing prices I can absorb. I don't know how people who make less with a family do it. I know how my neighbor does it--she gets every form of assistance she can find. With some COVID disbursement she won't have to pay a water bill for years.
How are you managing to keep up with costs these days? What changes are you willing to make to spend less?
8 people like this
8 responses
@Ineeddentures (45765)
•
24 Aug
Trumps losing war against Iran is costing us more as well
How are you managing to keep up with costs these days?
Yvonne and I are fortunate that rising prices don't really bother us
Sure we moan about it a lot but I think that's ok to do anyway in any case.
What changes are you willing to make to spend less
I'm not trying to spend less, and if we spend more so be it
We like our life, we like our treats and luxuries and holidays,
So I am not really making changes to reflect rising costs
1 person likes this
@Ineeddentures (45765)
•
24 Aug
@NJChicaa
I feel sorry for poor people , I really do
Seeing prices increase must really hurt those people.
I think because we mostly cook from scratch our living costs are still cheaper than most people who buy microwave dinners and takeaways all the time and go to the pub
Actually we have saved more than ever before these last few months.
Had 2 holidays
And bought a new bike
And our bank balance hasn't decreased
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (127767)
• United States
24 Aug
@Ineeddentures I don't consider myself a poor person. I can still pay for things.
1 person likes this

@AmbiePam (125523)
• United States
24 Aug
Honestly? I actually feel a little like crying as I type this because I am so grateful, but I had an Angel bless me. I do not know exactly how I would have coped with out some help.
I’ve tried to sell some things, but you remember those “cleaners”? They threw away the stuff I was trying to sell. Of course, that isn’t as big of a deal as my mom’s ashes, but it was still discouraging.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (52081)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
24 Aug
I've always tried to grow my own food, so that helps, but I also take advantage of free breakfast and lunch at the Centre4Women that I attend once a week. But I don't need a lot of stuff so manage to hold on to my money just fine... 

1 person likes this
@nawala123 (21750)
• Indonesia
24 Aug
Indonesia is very impacted by the war. Our gas is rising and many products too
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (61989)
•
24 Aug
I only buy the needs, not the wants. Food costs are crazy and our electric rates have shot way up. I can’t remember when gas was less than $4 but it’s been quite awhile. No going out but that’s not a big issue. I cook from scratch and don’t buy red meat. We have meatless days but it’s ok. Oh, car insurance went up, too. Sigh…Everyone is being very careful. We have to be. And yes, the US/ Canada tariffs are very concerning and it won’t play out well.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (211976)
• United States
24 Aug
Things are tough all over, and middle class families have been hit especially hard. I literally can not wait until Trump has been removed by the 25th amendment or impreached and we don't have to deal with his uncaring lunacy any longer. BTW, Congress also has the power to do the 25th amendment it doesn't just have to be the cabinet. I say do whatever is the fastest and most expedient.
@JudyEv (386815)
• Rockingham, Australia
23h
We buy very few luxuries but we're still managing okay. We wouldn't have many of the expenses that younger people do.









