Khaberni - A recent survey shows that more than half of the Americans consider their financial situations to be in constant decline, at a level considered the highest in the past 25 years, amid increasing tensions the United States is facing on multiple fronts.
According to the survey conducted by "Gallup", the specialized polling firm, 55% of the participants reported a deterioration in their financial situation, compared to 53% last year and 47% in 2024, the highest since 2001.
The new percentage exceeds periods of global financial crises and the COVID-19 pandemic, as Americans face difficulties after years of high inflation, alongside the recent rise in fuel prices due to the war with Iran, posing a major challenge for President Donald Trump and the Republicans as midterm elections approach.
Regarding the major financial problems, 31% mentioned the rise in living costs, while 13% referred to energy costs, an increase of 10 percentage points over the last year, the highest since 2008.
According to the survey, about half of those surveyed (48%) expressed concerns about routine health care costs, while 41% feared the inability to pay regular monthly bills, and 40% worried about university education costs, whereas, the concern was lower regarding housing costs (35%).
Escalating Financial Concerns
The survey concluded that the ability to afford expenses remains the primary financial challenge for American families, significantly surpassing concerns about various expenses over all other financial worries.
It further indicated that inflation steadily rose in 2021, from 1.4% in January to 7% by December, peaking at 9.1% in June 2022. Since then, it has declined, recording less than 3% in most months since early 2025.
Yet it has not returned stably to the "below 3%" range that was common in the decade prior to 2021, which might still be awaited by consumers.
The survey confirmed that with the ongoing impacts of high inflation during and post-pandemic, the financial perceptions and outlook of Americans remain cautious.
For the fifth consecutive year, more Americans indicate that their financial situations are deteriorating rather than improving.
Although inflation is still higher than it was before Trump's previous term, it is lower than its peak in 2022. However, rising fuel prices have increased pressures, with the average price of a gallon of gasoline at $4.11, compared to less than $3 before the war on Iran on February 28.
These indicators come at a time when the United States faces tensions and conflicts on several global fronts, notably the war with Iran and regional tensions.
