Consumers are spending to get ahead of tariffs, but going too hard could pinch budgets down the line.

Consumers’ expectations about their own personal financial situations declined sharply in April, according to the New York Fed. But their inflation expectations didn't change much.

Data out Tuesday from The Conference Board indicates consumers think the tub is draining faster than it’s filling up.

Consumers have been downgrading their discretionary spending.

Uncertainty is turning the things we usually buy for fun and comfort into panic purchases for some consumers. 

Consumers have been saying how fed up they are with inflation. But they keep on buying stuff, says Stephen Brown at Capital Economics. 

Tariffs, uncertainty for businesses and consumer caution make a slowdown more likely, some economists say.

Conference Board surveys point to unease about job security and raise questions about Americans’ future spending.

Core customers — those earning less than $40,000 per year — are cutting back even on items once considered necessities.

An analysis from personal finance company WalletHub found consumers took on an additional $74 billlion in credit card debt in 2024.