Florida gubernatorial election election. Byron Donalds, R-FLA.
Middle-income Americans are suffering an economic hangover from the recession of several years ago, and it has paid off Increasing pessimism Regarding their financial prospects, a new analysis finds.
Prim America’s report found that in the third quarter of 2025, 21% of middle-aged Americans believe they will be better financially In the next year, 34% believe it will get worse and 33% expect their situation to remain the same.
Those numbers are more optimistic than the company’s data from the third quarter of 2020 showed, where 33% of Americans found they could be better than 17% who thought they would be different.
“The inflation hangover doesn’t just tighten everyday budgets — the chips in the finances families are working hard to build,” writes Primmerica. “Because households are already writing tight budgets, even a modest increase in necessary expenses can force difficult decisions: Hit savings, add credit card debt or delay debt investments.”
Voters express economic worries about rising prices as costs rise, Fox News Poll finds
A Prim America report found that middle-income Americans are suffering from an “inflation hangover” after several years of price hikes. (Pet Pictures)
The report noted the share of middle-income families as “poor” or “very good” or “not so good” in the quarter 202% higher by 202% in the third quarter 204, while it was 45.5% in the third quarter of 2025.
It also noted the share of respondents who said they were paying Credit Card Rates In full each month has decreased significantly from 47% in the first quarter of 2021 to 29% in the third quarter of 2025, although inflation is moving towards the high points reached in 2022.
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Middle-income households are more optimistic about their year ahead than they were five years ago. (Stock)
Data from the household budget index showed that Cost of necessities Like food, gas and services outpace the growth of middle income families, as the cost of necessities is higher in January 2021 – Rising above the median income.
As households face financial challenges by doing things like making major purchases or investments, Tap to save Even if you add to the credit card debt, it can have a long-term impact as families look to fall behind on their financial goals.
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Home appliances have risen in price in recent years amid rising inflation. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
“Putting aside retirement accounts or saving money isn’t just losing ground in the moment — it’s creating a growing gap that becomes harder to bridge over time.” Hole Flogging starts to close money quickly, “meaning the volume left in years of high costs can’t be filled quickly,” says Primmerica.
The report also surveyed middle-income households about what aspects of their finances are sources of stress at this time, with 55% of respondents saying doing more than you shouldand 47% said they are worried about being able to pay for emergency expenses.
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Almost half, 46%, of the respondents said that debt and having enough money to enjoy daily life were sources of stress, while 42% said monthly bills, and only 12% 12% said nothing revolving around finances.
