Although the rate of inflation has cooled since its peak in the summer of 2022, prices for basic goods and services have continued to rise. These cost-of-living increases are pinching the wallets of everyday Americans, with many fearing their money goals for 2026 will be derailed.
In fact, the most recent Harris Poll data published by the Journal of Accountancy shows that fully half of Americans with financial goals this year fall into this category. The rising costs of housing, groceries and utilities, among other things, are cited as preventing them from achieving what they planned. Here’s a closer look at the data, along with budgeting tips to help keep you on track if you feel like you’re falling behind.
