The data paints a very different picture from the slogan. According to the Congressional Budget Office, U.S. real GDP growth is projected to slow to 1.4% in 2025, down from the stronger pace seen just two years ago. The economy actually contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter, reflecting weaker consumer demand and tighter financial conditions. Meanwhile, the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 50.8 in May 2025 — one of the lowest readings on record — sug

Across the United States, millions of households are asking the same question: why does everything still feel so expensive? On paper, the economy looks solid. Unemployment remains near record lows, inflation has cooled, and consumer spending hasn’t collapsed. Yet for most Americans, it doesn’t feel like relief has arrived. The grocery bill is still higher than it used to be. Rent keeps climbing. And even with a steady paycheck, there’s less left at the end of each month. The