Consumer Confidence Just Hit a 12-Year Low — 7 Money Moves People Make When They’re Worried

Consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since 2014, prompting many households to rethink spending, debt and emergency savings. Building a cash cushion and trimming recurring costs can provide valuable financial breathing room. (Pexels).

Americans are feeling noticeably less secure about the economy, and that anxiety can quickly change how families handle money. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index fell to 81.9 in September, down from 88.6 in August and its lowest level since 2014. Its Expectations Index, which measures consumers’ six-month outlook, dropped to 63.6, marking a third consecutive monthly decline.

The Conference Board says views of both current conditions and the future deteriorated, although low consumer confidence does not automatically mean a recession is coming. For households, the smarter response is usually to strengthen their finances without allowing scary headlines to trigger costly decisions.