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People are spending less on things — and more on fun

May 24, 2023
Consumers at almost every income level are finding ways to spend on getting out of the house.
Despite inflation, consumers have continued to spend on dining out, travel and other fun.
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April retail sales data add confusion to an already confusing economy

May 16, 2023
Between the pandemic and its economic ripple effects, the consumer experience has been a wild ride.
While consumers are cutting back on buying big-ticket items like appliances, there’s still pent-up demand for services.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Inflation for services remains stubbornly high

May 10, 2023
Here's how higher wages, housing shortages and income level can play a role in how much you pay for things like exterminators and car repairs.
Motor vehicle repair prices, which were up 20% in April from last year, can be particularly burdensome for lower-income households.
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"You only live once" may explain Americans' continued spending spree

Mar 16, 2023
Some attribute it to pent-up demand. Others think the American consumer may have changed.
From dining out more frequently to traveling more, Americans continue to splurge on services despite persistent inflation.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Spending on services is starting to taper off, U.S. data indicates

Jan 27, 2023
Until recently, consumers had been spending less on goods and more on services. That's changing. Here's what it could mean for inflation.
While consumer appetite to travel remains strong, more people are opting to drive rather than fly.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

As Americans spend on experiences, inflation declines for goods and rises for services

Dec 23, 2022
It's a tale of two inflations: goods versus services.
After the heights of the pandemic, Americans decided to gorge in-person activities like dining out.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Waiting for another inflation report, with concern

Aug 9, 2022
Wednesday the government will tell us how much prices changed year over year in July. Inflation was an alarming 9.1% in June.
While rising prices for services, like styling hair, worry economists, prices for some goods may be dipping.
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For public good, not for profit.

GDP dips by 0.9% in second quarter, but consumers are still spending

Jul 28, 2022
While consumers cut back on goods spending, spending on services jumped.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

We're saving less. Will we spend less?

Jun 14, 2022
After reaching a record high of nearly 34% early in the pandemic, the savings rate has dipped below its pre-pandemic level.
Travelers board a train in Washington, D.C. Partially fueled by pent-up demand for services, consumers are spending down their savings.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Consumers are spending on services again as the pandemic shopping spree for goods cools

May 31, 2022
People want to get outside and do stuff, not just buy stuff. That's reflected in surging travel bookings — and airfare.
Consumers are still spending on big-ticket, durable goods like furniture. But now demand for services is picking up again.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images