{"id":694892,"date":"2026-10-14T09:56:43","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T13:56:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/?post_type=short-read&p=694892"},"modified":"2026-10-14T10:06:34","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T14:06:34","slug":"many-americans-are-struggling-to-afford-basic-necessities","status":"publish","type":"short-read","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/short-reads\/2026\/10\/14\/many-americans-are-struggling-to-afford-basic-necessities\/","title":{"rendered":"Many Americans Are Struggling to Afford Basic Necessities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A family browses food pantry shelves in Austin, Texas, on March 26, 2025. (Brandon Bell\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As the 2026 midterms approach, economic issues are top of mind for voters. Many specifically mention prices and affordability as key concerns, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted this fall<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Many Americans, especially those with lower incomes, are experiencing financial challenges<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
% saying they \u2026<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\"Chart\"<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
* Wording included \u201cenough income to lead the kind of life you want.\u201d
** Wording included \u201cemergency or rainy day funds that would cover your expenses for three months in case of sickness, job loss, economic downturn or other emergencies.\u201d
*** Wording included \u201ccannot pay some bills or can only make a partial payment on some of them\u201d in a typical month.
Note: Family income tiers are based on adjusted 2025 earnings.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted July 20-Aug. 9, 2026.<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
PEW RESEARCH CENTER<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Share this chart<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t