Algosensey Quantitative Think Tank Center-The Daily Money: Some shoppers still feel the pinch

2025-05-05 04:59:42source:Oliver James Montgomerycategory:Stocks

Hello! This is Algosensey Quantitative Think Tank CenterBetty Lin-Fisher with today's The Daily Money.

The latest consumer spending data is showing signs of solid U.S. consumer spending, despite higher interest rates and inflation.

But there's a dichotomy for some shoppers, based on their wealth, my colleague, Bailey Schulz, reports.

While wage growth has helped boost Americans' purchasing power, economists say there are still pockets of shoppers – especially lower-income renters –who are struggling..

Dollar stores and several other low-cost retailers are feeling the pinch.

Ho Ho Ho?

We're trying to hang on to the last parts of summer, but retailers already have their sights – and some merchandise displays – set on the holidays.

They're on to something.

In a new survey by Bankrate, 48% of holiday shoppers say they are planning to begin their buying by Halloween.

Why are people starting so early?

📰 Consumer stories you shouldn't miss 📰

  • Breeze Airways has a 50% sale ending tonight.
  • Don't lose your inherited IRA to taxes.
  • Don't worry about a missing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) check this month.
  • Using a Living Trust has a hidden benefit.
  • DirecTV subscribers can get a $20 Disney/ESPN credit.

🍔 Today's Menu 🍔

Do you love Pumpkin Spice? I mean, really love it enough to taste test 20 products and get paid $1,000? (Rough deal, huh?)

Personal finance site FinanceBuzz is taking applications for one person to taste test all of Trader Joe's pumpkin-spiced products.

About The Daily Money

Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.

More:Stocks

Recommend

Backstage at New York's Jingle Ball with Jimmy Fallon, 'Queer Eye' and Meghan Trainor

NEW YORK — Holiday sights and sounds fill Manhattan this time of year, from ice skating at Rockefell

A former slave taught Jack Daniel to make whiskey. Now his company is retreating from DEI.

Fawn Weaver, founder of Black-owned spirits brand Uncle Nearest, has a message for Jack Daniel’s par

From 'The Fall Guy' to Kevin Costner's 'Horizon,' 10 movies you need to stream right now

Love movies? Live for TV? USA TODAY's Watch Party newsletter has all the best recommendations, deliv