The holiday season is supposed to be about joy, connection and a little indulgence — but lately, it feels like our wallets are under just as much pressure as our calendars.
With tariffs and rising prices creeping into everything from decorations to gifts, the simple act of holiday shopping can suddenly feel like an economic obstacle course. According to J.P. Morgan, the effective U.S. tariff rate as of Aug. 1 now stands at 15.8%.
