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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
8 Smart Ways Frugal People Are Living Like There's Already a Recession
Fears of a recession are growing louder, and many people aren't waiting for an official announcement to make changes. Rising prices on essentials like rent, food and healthcare are already forcing tough choices, and these workers are finding ways to survive economic uncertainty long before a downturn becomes official. Discover More: For You: According to a study from Lance Surety Bonds, people are slashing spending, picking up extra work and moving to cheaper locations to stay ahead of rising costs. Their strategies show what it really takes to recession-proof a household when paychecks can't keep up with inflation. Cutting Personal Spending More than half of frontline workers (58%) have cut personal spending to the bone. Eliminating non-essential expenses is a recommended first line of defense when paychecks don't stretch like they used to. Picking Up Side Hustles More than half are bringing in extra income through side gigs. They're not alone; 41% of U.S. consumers now have supplemental income streams, according to PYMNTS, as people try to close the gap between wages and cost of living. Dipping Into Savings Early A third of those surveyed said they've already dipped into savings. When income falls short, savings becomes a lifeline, but one that needs to be rationed carefully. It's best used to cover essentials like housing, food or utilities, not to maintain non-essentials that no longer fit the budget. Stopping Saving or Investing Twenty-seven percent have paused contributions to savings or investments as prices for essentials climb. With basic expenses climbing and wages remaining flat in many industries, long-term planning often gets pushed aside to manage short-term survival. Working Longer Hours A quarter have taken on extra hours, with 21% working 15 or more extra hours each week. That's the equivalent of nearly 100 full workdays a year, a temporary fix for shrinking purchasing power, but one that risks burnout. Selling Personal Belongings A quarter of people surveyed reported they have sold off tools, electronics or vehicles to make ends meet. With figures from the New York Fed showing that U.S. household debt is now at $18.2 trillion, selling unused assets can be a smarter move than borrowing at high interest. Taking on Personal Debt Incurring personal debt to manage rising costs has jumped as well. If borrowing is unavoidable, focusing on the lowest-interest options available and creating a strict repayment plan before taking on new debt can help limit long-term damage. Moving to Cheaper Housing While it may be a stretch for some, 9% of the workers surveyed have relocated to less expensive areas. Redfin reports that median U.S. asking rent dropped 1% year over year to $1,633 in May 2025, and sometimes moving even a short distance can save hundreds each month, savings that go straight toward rent, bills or debt. More From GOBankingRates 4 Affordable Car Brands You Won't Regret Buying in 2025 This article originally appeared on 8 Smart Ways Frugal People Are Living Like There's Already a Recession
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Study: BMW, Tesla Most Targeted For Road Rage
Read the full story on The Auto Wire A new study claims drivers behind the wheel of a BMW or Tesla are most targeted by road rage. That might sound shocking at first, but when you think about it, a lot of hate is flung at people who either one. You can argue whether the bad reputation of BMW or Tesla drivers is warranted, but some drivers apparently feel that means they get to rage out at study, conducted by Lance Surety Bonds, found that 56 percent of drivers claim certain car brands actually provoke road rage. How exactly that works isn't clear. It's possible people just see red when they spot someone in one of those car brands or that they feel the people who drive those cars act like jerks, which then triggers road rage. At the top of the list with a commanding lead is BMW, with 44 percent of respondents agreeing the German brand provokes road rage. Maybe it's the reputation Bimmer drivers have for never using their turn signals? Or could it be they aren't the least bit courteous on the road? We don't know if either one justifies engaging in road rage, but some people apparently do. Second at 33 percent is Tesla. We know the American EV company stirs up all kinds of emotions, especially these days. And we've been treated smugly by those who drive one, so we can see how some drivers really don't like seeing any Teslas on the road. We just don't think throwing a temper tantrum is the way to handle those emotions. Not shockingly, Mercedes-Benz comes in third with 27 percent. Their reputation isn't as bad as BMW drivers, but there might be some envy in the mix for some people. Rounding out the top eight are Ford, Ram, Chevrolet, Lexus, and GMC, respectively. What do you think? Do you rage out when you see certain car brands on the road? Do you think people treat you different, maybe even act more aggressively towards you, just because of the brand vehicle you drive? Read the study for yourself here. Image via BMW USA Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook.
