#United States #San Mateo #Consumer Spending #Tariffs Impact #Achieve Survey

Tariffs Pushing Consumers Towards Financial Caution

A recent survey conducted by Achieve highlights a growing trend among American consumers to scale back on personal spending, driven primarily by rising tariffs that have impacted the prices of nonessential goods. The findings reveal that 54% of respondents have already implemented, or plan to implement, spending cuts in response to these economic shifts.

Overview of Findings

Conducted by the Achieve Center for Consumer Insights, the survey reveals deep-seated worries among consumers. Rising living costs, exacerbated by tariff-related price increases, have led to heightened financial caution. Here are some intriguing insights from the survey:

• - Price Pessimism: A staggering 67% of respondents foresee increasing grocery prices, reflecting widespread anxiety about inflation.
• - Debt Reluctance: Nearly 59% of respondents indicate they are hesitant to incur additional debt, pointing to a shift in financial behavior.
• - Retail Supply Concerns: More than half (57%) believe that tariffs will hinder retailers' ability to maintain stock of essential items, which highlights a potential crisis in supply chain management.
• - Budget Constraints: Approximately 44% expect tariffs to negatively affect their budgets, driving further caution in financial decision-making.
• - Delayed Purchases: The survey notes that 43% of Americans are postponing or avoiding major purchases, further signaling economic strain.
• - Struggles to Make Ends Meet: Around 39% acknowledge that recent tariff policy changes have complicated their financial situations, raising concerns about their long-term economic stability.

Generational Financial Concerns

The apprehensions expressed span all age demographics. The responses from different generations show striking similarities: Gen Z (43%), Millennials (38%), Gen X (41%), and Baby Boomers (36%) report feeling the financial pressure from tariff increases. This tendency reflects an intergenerational concern regarding economic resilience amidst rising costs.

Knowledge Gaps in Understanding Tariffs

Compounding the issue is a significant deficit in understanding among consumers. About 68% of those surveyed feel they possess a limited understanding of how tariffs impact their finances. This lack of comprehension contributes to the anxiety surrounding financial pressures, especially among younger adults who may feel particularly vulnerable.

Impact on Higher-Income Households

Interestingly, even higher-income families are not exempt from the need to tighten their belts. Of those earning $50,000 or more, 45% are delaying major purchases due to the economic climate created by tariffs, showcasing how widespread the apprehension has become.

Call to Action for Better Communication

The discrepancy between government policies and consumer readiness reveals a pressing need for improved communication regarding financial resources. As more consumers experience financial anxiety and express doubts about their capacity to adapt to evolving market conditions, the survey serves as a critical reminder of the importance of clear information and supportive resources.

Methodology

The Achieve survey was conducted in June 2025 and included a sample of 2,000 U.S. consumers aged 18 and older, all with active accounts across various consumer debt categories. Noteworthy is the inclusion of respondents who have recently struggled with payments, adding depth to the analysis of consumer stress.

About Achieve

Achieve is a leader in digital personal finance, aiming to assist individuals in navigating toward a better financial future. Through proprietary data and tailored support, Achieve offers personal loans, debt relief, financial education, and more.

As tariffs continue to influence everyday financial decisions, understanding their implications becomes crucial for consumers across the board, regardless of income or demographic.