Paychecks gone in a 'blink.' Rising costs on the minds of Americans - USA Today

What the report says

USA Today reported July 19, updated July 20, that Americans continue to struggle with elevated living costs after five consecutive years of consumer price increases. The outlet said prices are up more than 25% since 2021, while the annual inflation rate reached 3.5% in June, higher than any monthly rate in 2025. The report framed inflation as a continuing concern that began in the late pandemic period under President Joe Biden and has persisted during President Donald Trump’s second term, with USA Today citing tariffs and the war against Iran as contributing pressures.

The article centered on six consumers describing how higher prices are changing daily life. Mike DeDivitis, 71, of Rainbow Lake, New York, said he used retirement savings to pay for $2,000 in truck repairs and has reduced restaurant meals, brand-name purchases and driving. In Culver City, California, Mary Mehrkens said housing remains out of reach despite two incomes, with local condos around $900,000 before fees and child care costing $1,600 a month.

Esther Malkin, 65, of Monterey, California, told USA Today her Social Security payment does not cover rent and utilities, forcing her to draw on savings, a 401(k) and a small pension after a job loss. Kerigan Rosado, 29, of Saginaw, Michigan, described higher fuel, utilities and grocery costs, saying she buys in bulk, cooks more at home and bakes bread to save money.

The report matters because it illustrates how inflation is affecting households across ages, regions and income situations, from retirees and renters to working parents and commuters, even as official inflation measures capture only part of the financial strain people describe.