Did you know that in 2023, the average holiday debt accrued by U.S. consumers was $1,028? That's why it’s important to have a plan for your spending as we enter the holiday shopping season. Learn about a few ways you can tighten your budget before the holidays in this week's #FinancialTipFriday https://lnkd.in/eV4kkD6a

Today marks Election Day. I'll be closely tracking consumer behavior to observe any shifts in how Americans approach their spending, especially in areas like grocery retail. With the holiday season approaching and many consumers budgeting carefully amid higher prices, it will be interesting to see how post-election sentiment might influence spending and confidence. If you're interested in discussing consumer insights as we move into this season, feel free to reach out! www.usa-marketresearch.com

UK Consumers: A Glimmer of Hope as Budget Worries Ease (Slightly) There's a flicker of optimism in the UK retail landscape! A recent GfK Consumer Confidence Index survey reveals a slight improvement in consumer sentiment. The key takeaway? - While still negative, the Index rose from -21 in October to -18 in November. This suggests a tentative easing of budget anxieties that weighed heavily on consumers in recent months. Factors contributing to this shift: - Post-Budget Breathing Room: Perhaps the government's first budget and the US presidential election results instilled a sense of (cautious) stability. - Pre-Christmas Optimism: The holiday season might be injecting some much-needed cheer into consumer moods. However, the outlook remains cautious. The GfK report warns against overly optimistic interpretations. Despite the cautious optimism, the report highlights the importance of: Understanding Evolving Consumer Behavior Value-Driven Offerings Building Long-Term Trust UK consumers are cautiously optimistic, but challenges remain. https://lnkd.in/ezGaMwDE #Retail #UK #ConsumerConfidence #GfK #Budget #Inflation

Gross Misjudgment Alert! The Night Time Industries Association is calling out the recent Budget’s disastrous impact on our economy. High street retailers just saw their worst slump since COVID—November sales plummeted 5.8% YoY. Online sales? Down 7.8%. In-store? Down 5.5%. Even part-time Christmas jobs fell by a shocking 12.9%! Business confidence is now at its lowest since April 2020, with a bleak -65 reading from the Institute of Directors latest tracker, down from -52. Reeves’ tax hikes, including a £7B hit from NICs alone, are piling on the pain. As Wetherspoon’s Tim Martin warns: “This Government has disincentivised and discouraged the horse” pulling our economic cart. And growth? Labour’s G7 target might be out the window. Starmer’s “Plan for Change” could need a change of plan… Our industries can’t thrive under these conditions. We need bold leadership and a pro-growth strategy now! #BudgetFail #SupportGrowth #NightTimeEconomy

A leading confidence survey has found that consumer sentiment rose in November, which will come as a relief to businesses dependent on a good golden quarter to boost margins ahead of tax rises next year. All five measures of confidence rose, although major purchase intentions led the pack with a five-point jump. “There was evidence of nervousness in recent months as consumers contemplated the potentially worrying impact of the UK Budget at home, and even the implications of the US presidential election,” Neil Bellamy, consumer insights director at GfK, said. “But we have moved past those events now. The biggest change this month is in major purchase intentions, an important measure that has jumped five points from -16 to -21 in the run-up to Black Friday next week,” he added. Continue reading 👇 https://bit.ly/4fDI20W

Did you know ... Holiday spending predictions are in, and it seems like everyone has a different number! 💳 BofA Securities forecasts that consumers will spend a whopping $2,100 this holiday season. 🎁 Deloitte, on the other hand, predicts a more modest $1,778. 🛍️ Meanwhile, the National Retail Federation estimates spending to average around $902 per consumer. Regardless of the amount, one thing is clear: holiday spending adds up quickly! To keep your finances festive and stress-free, remember to: 🎅 Set a budget that aligns with your financial goals. 🎄 Track expenses to avoid January surprises. 🎁 Focus on meaningful, budget-friendly ways to celebrate! What’s your holiday spending strategy this year? #FunFactFriday #HolidaySpending #BudgetSmart #FinancialPlanning #PlanAchieveLive #Rwroge #FeeOnly #FeeOnlyAdvisor #LongIsland #LongIslandAdvisor #FinancialAdvisor

Gross Misjudgment Alert! The Night Time Industries Association is calling out the recent Budget’s disastrous impact on our economy. High street retailers just saw their worst slump since COVID—November sales plummeted 5.8% YoY. Online sales? Down 7.8%. In-store? Down 5.5%. Even part-time Christmas jobs fell by a shocking 12.9%! Business confidence is now at its lowest since April 2020, with a bleak -65 reading from the Institute of Directors latest tracker, down from -52. Reeves’ tax hikes, including a £7B hit from NICs alone, are piling on the pain. As Wetherspoon’s Tim Martin warns: “This Government has disincentivised and discouraged the horse” pulling our economic cart. And growth? Labour’s G7 target might be out the window. Starmer’s “Plan for Change” could need a change of plan… Our industries can’t thrive under these conditions. We need bold leadership and a pro-growth strategy now! #BudgetFail #SupportGrowth #NightTimeEconomy

We all know the holiday season can be downright expensive, and even well-intentioned shoppers can end up with last-minute costs that really add up. But it doesn’t always have to be that way. Here are some key steps for making a holiday budget and tips for staying the course. https://loom.ly/LT7alwc #FinLit

The average shopper is expected to spend $1,638 this year, or 7% more than in 2023, PwC said in its annual holiday outlook. How will Americans pay during this shopping season? Going more and more into debt, unfortunately! I expect the use of Buy-Now-Pay-” Never” arrangements to explode during Q4! #Economy #Investing #Finance #Sourcing #InterestRates #PortfolioManagement

In my latest Sunday Times column, I reflect on the sticker shock of dining out in three U.S. cities—New York, San Diego, and Des Moines. Despite their differences, one thing was consistent: the prices were sky-high across the board. With inflation cooling, why do everyday expenses still feel so unaffordable?   I explore the disconnect between positive economic data and what people are actually feeling in their wallets, plus what this could mean for the upcoming U.S. elections. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eTVJrmMc