Cost of Groceries Is a ‘Major’ Stressor for Half of U.S. Adults

A new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center shows most U.S. adults feel stressed about rising grocery costs, according to The Detroit News. About half of Americans say grocery costs are a “major” source of stress, while a third call it a “minor” stressor. Only 14% report no stress, highlighting widespread concern over essential expenses. While financial stress around housing, income, and savings is widespread, grocery inflation is nearly universal across age and income levels. Even Americans earning over $100,000 are feeling the pinch, while lower-income households report especially high anxiety. About 40% of Americans under 45 have used “buy now, pay later” services for essentials or leisure spending, the survey found.