President Trump’s Liberation Day of more tariffs has arrived, another indication that the economy is clearly his.
Tariffs? Check. Deportations? Check. Inflation? Ticking up. So is unemployment. 401ks? Don’t ask.
Trump believes tariffs will boost the economy and bring benefits to all Americans. But, has it? Can it?
In a community, already buffeted by eye-popping rents, high food prices and new homes starting at $700,000, how’s your cost of living faring? Do you need a roommate to live comfortably in that new apartment or townhouse development? Are you still able to take advantage of sales at the mall, or has the dollar store become your new go-to? Can you spend $100 at the local grocery and feel that you’ve gotten your money’s worth? Is there an out of town vacation still in your immediate future? Is that Friday date night still happening regularly, and is it still affordable?
Let’s face it. Consumer spending drives our economy. Whether it’s buying a new car or going out to Happy Hour, without buyers spending money — cash, credit or both — any evidence of a boom economy would literally fall flat.
Right now, the economy’s good. Inflation is moderate and the unemployment rate is around 4%, a rate that usually indicates a strong economy. But, the outlook for the future is a bit cloudy. Our nitial responses to our poll showed signs of dwindling optimism.
“I’m in my late 30s and still can’t afford to buy a home or rent an apartment on my own,” one respondent from West Palm Beach wrote. “I’m forced to live with my mother who also can’t afford to live on her own. I was doing so much better in my 20s than I am today.”
So, how are you doing? Feel free to share your thoughts by taking part in our informal survey below or by clicking on the QR Code:
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: It’s Donald Trump’s economy now. Can you afford it? Let us know in our poll. | Opinion
Reporting by Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
