Consumer confidence

Dollar General Shares Drop After Weak Quarterly Earnings Outlook

Economy

Discounting is back in fashion, as Americans get tired of paying more

10:31am June 01, 2024

by Scott Horsley

Consumer spending rose only slightly in April, as shoppers pushed back against rising prices.

A shopper carries a shopping bag while walking through an outdoor shopping center in Corte Madera, Calif., on Oct. 17. Strong consumer spending is helping to power the economy — but it may not last.

5 things to know about a stunning week for the economy

6:01am October 28, 2023

by Scott Horsley

The U.S. economy continues to defy gravity, growing rapidly despite high interest rates. Consumer spending is powering the expansion, but it's not clear how long that can last.

Queue Listen Now

Mowing the lawn can be good exercise, and is fun for some people. But others who find themselves squeezed for time might find the luxury of paying someone else to do it to be of much more value than buying more stuff.

Need A Happiness Boost? Spend Your Money To Buy Time, Not More Stuff

11:10am August 28, 2017

by Allison Aubrey

A recent study suggests that when people spend their extra cash to get help with time-consuming chores, they're likelier to feel better than if they use the money to buy more things.

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Construction workers in Washington, D.C., in December. The latest jobs report will further drive the "misery index" to its lowest level in more than half a century. But economists say meager wages and big debts are still problems.

More Jobs, Less Inflation Drive Down 'Misery' — So Where's The Joy?

9:22am March 07, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

With unemployment dropping, the "misery index" is at its lowest level in more than 50 years. So why aren't Americans feeling cheerful? Economists say meager wages and big debts are still problems.