Stress and Rising Grocery Costs: Tariffs and Financial Strain

New York, Aug 4 (AP) A new poll indicates that an overwhelming majority of U.S. adults feel stressed about rising grocery costs, with prices climbing and concerns over President Donald Trump's tariffs adding to the anxiety. Approximately half of Americans cite groceries as a “major” stress factor, while another 33% consider it a “minor” stressor, according to a survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Only 14% remain unaffected, highlighting widespread unease regarding everyday expenses.

Younger demographics experience intensified financial pressures, with heavier weight on housing costs and limited savings. Meanwhile, around 40% of Americans below age 45 have resorted to “buy now, pay later” services for expenses ranging from entertainment to essential purchases like groceries and medical care.

Adam Bush, a 19-year-old welder from Portland, New York, relies on such services for groceries and leisure spending. He earns under $50,000 annually and expresses ongoing frustration about escalating prices, opting for more affordable options such as hot pockets and TV dinners. Groceries significantly impact both young and senior Americans alike. Although older individuals, particularly those over 60, are less concerned about housing and savings, the cost of groceries remains a shared anxiety.

Esther Bland, 78, from Buckley, Washington, characterizes groceries as “minor” stress, offset by local food banks. Her income from Social Security and disability primarily funds rent and essential expenses like pet care. She acknowledges that without assistance from food banks, grocery costs would become a major stressor. Bland’s budget mainly covers utilities, pet care, and household necessities, with limited travel due to fuel prices.

For low-income households—those earning less than $30,000 annually—64% identify grocery costs as a major concern. In contrast, within higher-income groups ($100,000+ annually), only 20% report no stress regarding grocery expenses.

Economic anxiety is especially pronounced among women and Hispanic adults. Half of American adults cite housing as a major stressor, and concerns extend to income, savings, healthcare costs, and debt. Credit card, student, and childcare expenses contribute significantly to financial anxiety. Women report higher stress levels concerning their income and essential expenses, while Hispanic adults are notably worried about housing costs and debts.

Some individuals have adapted their lifestyles in response to these pressures. Shandal LeSure, a 43-year-old receptionist at a rehabilitation hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee, whose earnings range between $85,000 and $100,000, has turned to lower-cost grocery options, albeit with concerns about quality.

Thirty percent of Americans have utilized “buy now, pay later” services, such as Afterpay or Klarna, for groceries, entertainment, and medical expenses. Bland has managed pet surgery costs using such a service. Younger adults are more inclined to use these plans for leisure and essentials, with Black and Hispanic individuals showing higher adoption rates.

However, an increasing number of users face challenges repaying these loans. Although marketed as a safer alternative to credit cards, these services pose risks, including limited federal oversight. Consumer advocates warn they can lead to financial overextension.

LeSure has leveraged these services for clothing purchases and to manage debt payments, including a car loan, student loans, and medical bills. She has also relied on them for hotel expenses while dealing with eviction, finding them invaluable in budget management.

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