ชาวอเมริกัน รายได้โตไม่ทันค่าครองชีพ หันพึ่งบัตรเครดิต ลดกิน-ลดใช้-ลดดื่ม | THE STANDARD WEALTH

The global economic situation is challenging, not just in specific regions like Thailand, but also in major economies such as the United States. Americans are experiencing a period where expenses are rising faster than revenue, leading to a reduction in regular spending due to the increasing cost of living, which affects everything from food to ride-hailing services and alcohol. A survey by JD Power in February, involving 4,000 U.S. adults, revealed that over 65% of consumers felt goods and services prices had increased more than business revenues. This aligns with inflation data showing an annual inflation rate rise from 2.4% in February to 3.3% in March. Despite the U.S. having its own oil supply, energy costs are increasing, with tensions in Iran driving oil prices up by 21.2% in a single month, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the total inflation increase. Although a slowdown was anticipated, inflation remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, a trend observed since February 2021, even before the Russo-Ukrainian war. Over the past four years, U.S. commodity prices have surged by 16%. After accounting for inflation, hourly wage growth has been limited, showing only a 1.4% increase over the past year, meaning the purchasing power for most workers has barely grown. A CNBC/Survey Monkey poll in April found that 56% of Americans face increased financial strain, prompting many families to cut expenses, especially on food, dining out, and consumer goods. Even high-income earners are affected by these rising costs, with the problem identified not as a decrease in income, but rather money not lasting as long. This has led to stressful workloads without an improved quality of life, requiring a review of financial plans. Consumers are responding by significantly reducing non-essential spending. Many have cut food costs by half, 42% are buying fewer clothes and household goods, and personal services like haircuts and fitness memberships have seen reductions of 22% and 21% respectively. Alcohol purchases are down by 14%, and ride-hailing services are used less frequently. Roughly half of consumers are buying less to control expenses, and 39% have resorted to using credit cards for essential items due to a lack of financial liquidity. Overall, economic pressure is eroding consumer confidence, with the University of Michigan's consumer confidence index dropping to a historic low. Current consumer concerns stem from persistent inflation, rising costs, global labor market uncertainty, and dwindling financial resources. This sentiment is echoed by observations that oil prices have surged by 70% in the U.S. from pre-conflict levels, leading Americans to adopt thriftier habits and better expense management. This global phenomenon underscores the need for careful financial planning and adaptation.