• The majority of U.S. adults report stress over grocery prices amid rising inflation and tariff impacts.
• Housing costs, savings, and healthcare expenses also weigh heavily, especially for women and Hispanic adults.
• Many Americans, particularly younger ones, rely on “buy now, pay later” services to manage expenses.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TDR) — A recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds most U.S. adults feel stressed about the increasing cost of groceries, as inflation and concerns over President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs continue to affect household budgets.

Grocery Costs Affect All Ages

The survey reports about half of Americans describe grocery costs as a “major” source of stress, with 33% calling it a “minor” one. Only 14% say groceries don’t cause financial stress. This widespread anxiety affects both young and old alike.

Younger adults, who typically have less wealth and property, feel even greater financial pressure. About 40% of Americans under 45 say they’ve used buy now, pay later services for essentials like groceries, entertainment, or medical care.

Voices from Across the Country

Nineteen-year-old Adam Bush from Portland, New York, who works as a welder making under $50,000 annually, shared his struggle.

“I just keep watching the prices go up, so I’m looking for the cheapest possible stuff,” Bush said. “Hot pockets and TV dinners.”

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

Meanwhile, 78-year-old Esther Bland from Buckley, Washington, relies on food banks to help cover grocery costs on her Social Security and disability income.

“I have no savings,” Bland said. “If I lost the food banks, groceries would absolutely be a major source of stress.”

Income and Demographic Disparities

The poll shows 64% of Americans earning less than $30,000 find grocery costs a major stress, compared to about 40% of those earning over $100,000. Even among wealthier groups, only 20% are free from grocery cost worries.

Women report more stress than men regarding income, savings, groceries, and healthcare. Hispanic adults are particularly anxious about housing costs, credit card debt, and student loans, with roughly two-thirds rating housing costs a major stressor — compared to half of Black adults and 40% of white adults.

Adjusting Spending Habits

Shandal LeSure, a receptionist in Chattanooga, Tennessee, earning $85,000 to $100,000 annually, says rising costs have pushed her to shop at cheaper grocery stores despite lower quality.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Roughly 30% of U.S. adults overall have turned to buy now, pay later options, like Afterpay and Klarna, to manage purchases from groceries to medical bills. Younger people and minority groups adopt these plans more, despite concerns over their risks and lack of federal oversight.

LeSure has used pay-later plans for clothes and to juggle multiple debts.

“That’s been able to help me stretch my dollar,” she said.

Other Financial Stress Factors

Beyond groceries, about half of Americans report major stress from housing costs, healthcare, income, and savings. Credit card and student loan debt weigh heavily on many.

Will these mounting pressures lead to shifts in consumer behavior and policy?

Follow The Wayne Dupree Show on YouTube

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10