The results of the new consumer inflation survey show that inflation is causing Americans to adjust their routine spending and travel habits. While some consumers have cut back on certain non-essential spending, like dining out and unnecessary travel, others reported more drastic changes such as skipping meals, conserving water, and eliminating meat from their diets.
According to the survey of 600 adults, aged 18+, more than 10% (10.5%) reported eliminating all non-essential purchases and more than 70% (71.67%) said they have made at least some changes to personal travel habits.
Americans are feeling financial pressure – hardly surprising as the Labor Department reported earlier this month that the United States Consumer Price Index (CPI) hit a 40-year high in May.
When asked which price increases on regularly purchased products or services have hurt consumers the most, gasoline, groceries, and clothing were among the most frequently mentioned items. More than 50% (53.33%) said they now spend between US $101 – $500 more per month on groceries.
With the average price of gasoline in the US surpassing $5 per gallon for the first time, reports of cancelled vacations and a decline in leisure travel have begun. According to the survey results, 32% of drivers are now spending between $101 – $250 more per month on gasoline, with 13.5% reporting a monthly increase in fuel costs between $251 – $500.
In addition to gasoline, groceries, and clothing, respondents named baby products, meat, utilities, household goods, milk, and alcohol as adding the most to their monthly bills.
When asked what adjustments they have made to travel plans and driving habits due to the rising cost of gasoline, many reported either reducing or eliminating unnecessary travel by cancelling annual vacations, visiting family less frequently, or combining necessary outings like grocery shopping and doctor’s appointments into one trip. Common themes among the responses included ditching their vehicles in favor of walking or riding bikes, increasing their use of public transportation, and trading in older vehicles for more fuel-efficient ones.
Additional Survey Findings:
• Nearly half (46.33%) of the survey’s respondents reported using credit cards slightly more or much more frequently on routine purchases compared to last year.
• Of the 600 adults who completed the survey, approximately 41% (41.17%) said they are contributing less to their savings. Of that group, approximately 38% (38.46%) reported having less than $1,000 in a personal savings account.
• Despite the current struggles, more than half (57.83%) said they believe they will be better off this time next year.
On how consumers are saving on personal spending:
• Quitting smoking cigarettes.
• Shopping at discount stores and switching to generic/store brand items.
• Taking on “odd jobs” for extra income.
• Spreading out visits to the salon.
• Preparing their coffee at home.
On how consumers are saving on personal travel:
• Avoiding travel to expensive areas.
• Video conferencing family rather than in-person visits.
• Postponed or delayed travel until gasoline prices go down.
• Remain within a 10-minute driving distance.
• Mapping out gasoline usage before travel.