MORE LOWER-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS FEEL FINANCIALLY VULNERABLE

Summary from the TLDR Marketing newsletter

Financially vulnerable US households rose from 15% to 17% in 2026, while fewer than 70% said they paid all bills on time over the past year. Low-income consumers have shifted more than $10 billion from discretionary purchases toward essentials since 2019, as prices for that group have risen 35% since January 2018. Consumer spending has still held steady in 2026, but many consumers are tapping into their savings to keep spending. This may not be sustainable if inflation, gas prices, and other costs continue to rise.