Americans in a Tug of War with Rising Costs and Inflation

 

Americans are struggling to stay afloat as inflation-generated waves widen the gap between their take-home pay and the costs of goods. Many argue that these aren’t regular waves, as they bear an eerie resemblance to tsunamis. Inflation hit a 40-year high in June 2022, injecting anxiety into the lives of most American families. Navigating the raging waters is not only causing headaches for people, but it’s also forcing them to make drastic changes in how they live. With each upward tick of inflation, the standard of living takes another tumble.

Since wages aren’t keeping pace with the skyrocketing costs of food, gas, and utility services, average consumers have hit the brakes on discretionary spending. According to data crunches, U.S. households are spending an extra $350 to $500 each month to purchase the same goods and services compared to one year ago.  

Tightening Belts to Combat Inflation

When asked about their level of satisfaction with their families’ financial condition, most admit that it’s bleak; their paychecks have been stretched so thin they find it impossible to stick to a budget. Those who have a nest egg are raiding their savings monthly to keep food on the table and gas in the tank – these two commodities have seen the most dramatic price hikes. In August 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics issued a report stating that food prices have risen 11.9% in the last year. This was not breaking news to consumers. And approximately 40% of respondents in recent studies indicate they are unable to save, as their cash flow has been reduced to a trickle.

Resisting the Urge to Splurge

Americans compensate for the pain inflicted by price hikes by turning to discount stores – or purchasing store brands instead of name brands. When possible, they buy in bulk. Many have placed dining out and entertainment on the chopping block. Some are canceling streaming services they relied on to get through the pandemic lockdown boredom. Since these budget alterations don’t always absorb the rising costs, many consumers continue to look for insulation elsewhere.

For younger Americans, this may be the first encounter with runaway inflation. But the nation has seen this movie before; inflation soared into the stratosphere four decades ago, hitting a high-water mark in late 1981.

Knowing these factual nuggets may be educational, but it doesn’t lower the cost of packaged goods – or anything else. And sadly, economists insist this is the new normal. It’s not like a short-lived brutal cold snap or sweltering heat wave. Financial experts forecast this intense financial squeeze will linger through most of 2023.

Inflation’s Tentacles Continue to Stretch Across the Nation

Inflation is tightening its grip on Americans of all ages and demographics. The rapidly accelerating prices are causing extreme financial pain for all. Borrowing options for low-income earners and ones with low credit scores are limited. But it hasn’t brought spending to a screeching halt; a company that tracks national credit scores noted that balances for borrowers with scores under 660 climbed 25% higher than at this point last year.

Families with children have also had to make hard financial decisions. Somethings just can’t wait for inflation to subside, such as back-to-school supplies, lunches, shoes, and clothes. Senior citizens aren’t immune either, as most live on fixed incomes; picking up a part-time job may be difficult for those in this age group. The Senior Citizens League conducted a recent survey of 3,000 individuals 55 and older to learn how this group is faring. Half of the respondents stated have dipped into savings during the past year to make ends meet. Almost 50% said they have visited a food pantry or applied for government assistance. And 25% sought monetary assistance from their utility providers.

Credit Card Swiping Intensifies

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York released a report in August 2022, revealing the gravity-defying surge in credit card balances; they increased 13% cumulatively, making it one of the highest jumps in two decades. A credit reporting bureau noted that in the first quarter of 2022, US banks issued nearly 19 million new credit cards.

Most hard-hit families are relying more on credit cards to keep up with the high cost of living. When hard-pressed to pay for essentials, a large segment of the population says they have no choice but to make a tradeoff: Buy now, pay later. With interest rates on a steep incline, making purchases on credit is not an optimal solution. But short of a magic pill or ripened money tree in the backyard, paying with plastic will at least turn on a relief valve. The problem with putting off paying today’s charges usually leads to serious debt creep. Nationwide, credit card balances ring in at a staggering $890 billion.

Personal Loans

People have become so accustomed to the convenience of credit cards they may have forgotten about another, more cost-effective method: Personal loans. Americans run the risk of becoming overly dependent on credit cards and before they know it, are trapped in a vicious cycle of growing, revolving debt. Even the most disciplined individual in normal times finds it very tempting to overspend.

Personal loans offer multiple benefits, such as a fixed payment over the duration of the loan. If the long-term goal is to be debt free, this type of payment plan allows the borrower to know exactly when they will repay the loan. Another major benefit is that personal loans offer a more competitive interest rate than credit cards – at a fixed rate.

Individuals with multiple credit card balances can eliminate the burden of trying to remember which payment is due next. Personal loans can improve a household’s budget. Those who qualify for a personal loan may be able to pay off several outstanding credit card balances, streamlining their financial plan. Furthermore, extended loan payoff agreements may reduce the amount of monthly payments, giving borrowers more cash flow each month.

Looking Ahead: Make Life Symple

Every news outlet releases a steady diet of gloom daily. We prefer to see the sunrise side of the mountain, and not dwell on the negatives. For years, Symple Lending has been able to help families regain their footing during down economic times by offering fixed-rate loans. Contact us today and learn how we can help you get back on your feet financially and start saving for the future.