Across the country, people are putting big life decisions on pause. Families are postponing plans to buy homes, young adults are holding off on graduate school applications, and business owners are delaying expansions, all citing a mix of economic volatility and political uncertainty that has made the future feel unusually unpredictable.
More 30% of Americans are delaying major purchases, while about a quarter are cancelling big purchases altogether, according to a Redfin survey. Another survey found 44% of workers are delaying or cancelling big purchases due to concerns over job security. And a Bank of America poll found that 60% of prospective homebuyers say they are no longer sure whether “now is a good time” to buy, pointing to volatile interest rates and high home prices. Meanwhile a survey of Americans over 50 found that 23% are delaying retirement because of financial concerns and economic volatility.
Economic concerns are weighing heavily on households, while political turmoil adds another layer of hesitation. Many say they are waiting for things to settle down before trying to chart a reliable path forward.
KPBS wants to hear from you about whether you are putting plans on hold, and if so, what kinds of plans. Let us know in the form below.
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