Americans Outline 2026 Financial Objectives in Light of Persistent Inflation Worries
FOX Business’ Kelly Saberi reports from Chicago on Americans’ financial resolutions for 2026, including saving more and reducing frivolous spending.
As inflation continues to strain household budgets, nearly half of Americans feel they are falling behind financially, according to a recent Fox News poll.
The poll revealed that 44% of respondents believe their personal finances are slipping. This sentiment was echoed by shoppers on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, who shared with FOX Business their intentions to rein in spending and save more in 2026.
A new Fox News poll found that 44% of respondents feel like they are falling behind on their personal finances. (Gregory Rec/Portland Press Herald/Getty Images / Getty Images)
FOX NEWS POLL: AS PRICES PINCH, VOTERS SEE TRUMP FOCUSED ELSEWHERE
In a conversation with Chicago residents, FOX Business correspondent Kelly Saberi found that many are prioritizing saving and cutting back on unnecessary expenses in 2026. One individual expressed a desire to set a specific amount to save each week, while another emphasized the importance of focusing spending on essentials.
Chicago shoppers told FOX Business they aim to develop different spending habits in 2026. (Lazy_Bear/iStock / Getty Images)
TRUMP DROPS RECEIPTS ON US SAVINGS SINCE BIDEN’S OVAL OFFICE EXIT
One Chicago resident shared, “Not spending money on frivolous things, like not buying coffee every day,” highlighting how small changes can lead to significant savings. He mentioned brewing coffee at home and bringing lunch to work as effective strategies.
Although inflation has cooled in recent months, prices for many essential items remain high. The Consumer Price Index indicates that the all-items index rose by 2.7% in November, down from 3% in September. Final data for December is still pending.
The Heritage Foundation chief economist EJ Antoni joins ‘Varney & Co.’ to break down why the economy remains resilient, how minimum wage hikes could hurt small businesses, and why tariff fears failed to materialize.
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In November, dairy prices decreased by 1.6%, while the costs of proteins such as meat, poultry, fish, and eggs rose by 4.7%. Saberi noted, “My main takeaway from speaking to these folks on a very cold day was that this is something they’ve been speaking about and thinking about all year,” during her segment on “Mornings with Maria.”
FOX Business’ Kelly Saberi reports from Chicago on Americans’ financial resolutions for 2026, including saving more and reducing frivolous spending.
As inflation continues to strain household budgets, nearly half of Americans feel they are falling behind financially, according to a recent Fox News poll.
The poll revealed that 44% of respondents believe their personal finances are slipping. This sentiment was echoed by shoppers on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, who shared with FOX Business their intentions to rein in spending and save more in 2026.
A new Fox News poll found that 44% of respondents feel like they are falling behind on their personal finances. (Gregory Rec/Portland Press Herald/Getty Images / Getty Images)
FOX NEWS POLL: AS PRICES PINCH, VOTERS SEE TRUMP FOCUSED ELSEWHERE
In a conversation with Chicago residents, FOX Business correspondent Kelly Saberi found that many are prioritizing saving and cutting back on unnecessary expenses in 2026. One individual expressed a desire to set a specific amount to save each week, while another emphasized the importance of focusing spending on essentials.
Chicago shoppers told FOX Business they aim to develop different spending habits in 2026. (Lazy_Bear/iStock / Getty Images)
TRUMP DROPS RECEIPTS ON US SAVINGS SINCE BIDEN’S OVAL OFFICE EXIT
One Chicago resident shared, “Not spending money on frivolous things, like not buying coffee every day,” highlighting how small changes can lead to significant savings. He mentioned brewing coffee at home and bringing lunch to work as effective strategies.
Although inflation has cooled in recent months, prices for many essential items remain high. The Consumer Price Index indicates that the all-items index rose by 2.7% in November, down from 3% in September. Final data for December is still pending.
The Heritage Foundation chief economist EJ Antoni joins ‘Varney & Co.’ to break down why the economy remains resilient, how minimum wage hikes could hurt small businesses, and why tariff fears failed to materialize.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
In November, dairy prices decreased by 1.6%, while the costs of proteins such as meat, poultry, fish, and eggs rose by 4.7%. Saberi noted, “My main takeaway from speaking to these folks on a very cold day was that this is something they’ve been speaking about and thinking about all year,” during her segment on “Mornings with Maria.”
