Meanwhile In Your Wallets

Gallup’s annual Economy and Personal Finance survey this morning reports that Americans instead obsess over the cost of living. The survey finds that 55 cite recent price increases which make it harder to maintain their standard of living: Less than half continue to rate their financial situation as “excellent” or “good” (currently 46), and more than a third call it “only fair” (35). Relatively few say their situation is “poor” (19). The recent dip in people’s confidence about their finances contrasts with 2016 through 2021, when half or more typically rated their finances positively. Today’s readings are more in line with 2008-2015, although not quite as negative as the ones during and immediately after the Great Recession from 2009 to 2011, when about four in 10 were positive. These sorts of numbers make Republicans’ prospects for November look even bleaker. Americans’ financial outlook in 2026 is also historically poor, with a record 55 now saying their financial situation is getting worse. While similar to last year’s 53, this is up from 47 in 2024 and marks the fifth consecutive year more Americans say their finances