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Half of Americans Struggle with Basic Needs

December 10, 2025 · 5:37 am ET · Leave a Comment

“Nearly half of Americans said they find groceries, utility bills, health care, housing and transportation difficult to afford,” according to The Politico Poll.

“The results paint a grim portrait of spending constraints: More than a quarter, 27 percent, said they have skipped a medical check-up because of costs within the last two years, and 23 percent said they have skipped a prescription dose for the same reason.”

“The strain is also reshaping how Americans spend their free time. More than a third — 37 percent — said they could not afford to attend a professional sports event with their family or friends, and almost half — 46 percent — said they could not pay for a vacation that involves air travel.”

Economy

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Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire -- which for more than two decades has been one of the nation's most influential political news sites.

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