Rising Costs and Multiple Jobs: The New Normal for Many Americans
Dallas, Texas – In a high school classroom in Dallas, a teacher known as Melinda has developed a keen sense of how her students’ days will unfold based on one simple factor: whether they’ve had breakfast. “If they show up and they’ve had breakfast, it’s a really good day,” she remarked, reflecting on her 13 years of teaching in Texas. Unfortunately, she noted, many of her students arrive at school without having eaten, a situation that has become increasingly common.
To combat this issue, Melinda has been spending approximately $45 weekly on breakfast items and snacks for her students. However, with rising grocery prices, her weekly expenditure has surged to $56, translating to an additional $400 over the school year. “I’m trying to work out how to keep that in my budget,” she said, highlighting the financial strain that many educators face as they strive to support their students.
The Broader Economic Landscape
Melinda’s situation is emblematic of a larger economic crisis affecting many Americans. Following the imposition of tariffs during the Trump administration, the cost of living has escalated significantly. These tariffs, which are taxes imposed on imported goods, have led to price increases across various sectors, including groceries, rent, and essential household items. As a result, many individuals are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet, often resorting to multiple jobs to sustain their families.
Katie Ventre, a 37-year-old resident of Long Island, is one such individual. She manages payroll and finances for her father-in-law’s auto repair business while her husband serves as the CEO. The couple is also attempting to launch a car rental service. Ventre has noticed a marked increase in grocery prices, particularly for staples like fruit, eggs, and milk. “We just had the worst two months in the last eight years,” she lamented, noting that customers are cutting back on spending or delaying necessary repairs due to rising costs.
Corporate Price Increases and Consumer Impact
The economic strain is not limited to individual households. Companies across the nation are also feeling the pressure. A report from the think tank Groundwork Collaborative indicates that some businesses are using tariffs as justification for price hikes. For instance, Aaron Jagdfeld, CEO of Generac Power Systems, noted that tariffs provide “great cover for increased pricing.” This sentiment is echoed by executives from various companies, including Fortune Brands Innovations and Hanesbrand, who have acknowledged that tariffs are influencing their pricing strategies.
Major retailers like Walmart and Procter & Gamble have also raised prices, attributing these increases to the costs associated with tariffs. A survey conducted by Groundwork Collaborative and Data for Progress revealed that nearly half of respondents felt that tariffs negatively impacted their finances, with only 16% reporting a positive effect.
The back-to-school season has exacerbated these challenges, as parents face rising prices for essential supplies. Sarah Dickerson, a research economist at the University of North Carolina, pointed out that even basic items like wooden pencils, which are often imported from Brazil, are expected to see price hikes.
Looking Ahead: The Long-Term Effects of Tariffs
Lindsay Owens, executive director of Groundwork Collaborative, anticipates that the fall of 2025 will provide a clearer picture of the long-term effects of tariffs on the U.S. economy. “Back-to-school season is kind of the canary in the coal mine,” she explained, predicting that price increases will extend to Halloween and Christmas items as well.
Rising living costs have been a pressing concern for Americans since 2021, and tariffs are further complicating the economic landscape. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 8.8 million Americans are juggling multiple jobs, a slight decrease from the all-time high of 8.9 million in February.
Personal Stories of Struggle and Resilience
Kay Alexander, a 30-year-old Austin resident, is among those working multiple jobs. After losing his tech industry position during layoffs in early 2025, he has had to drastically cut his food spending and search for more affordable housing. “Prices surge within a few months without any notice,” he remarked, noting that grocery costs have risen by 29% since February 2020.
Alexander and his partner have opted for the cheapest options available, even if it means sacrificing quality. “It’s definitely shifted the way that we shop and the way that we eat,” he said, emphasizing the emotional toll of financial insecurity. He now finds himself weighing the necessity of work against his well-being, grappling with the stress of potentially needing to replace one job with two.
Similarly, Isabel Deniz, a 31-year-old in Austin, has taken on multiple side gigs to make ends meet after being laid off from her social media marketing job. Currently juggling six different jobs, she expressed frustration over the rising costs of living. “Going outside is expensive,” she said, highlighting the constant need to evaluate discretionary spending. “Food is discretionary at this point,” she added, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in her situation.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
The stories of Melinda, Ventre, Alexander, and Deniz illustrate the profound impact of rising costs and economic instability on everyday Americans. As tariffs continue to shape the financial landscape, the need for systemic change becomes increasingly urgent. The challenges faced by these individuals serve as a reminder of the broader economic issues at play, highlighting the importance of addressing the root causes of financial insecurity in the United States. As the nation navigates these turbulent times, the resilience of its people remains a testament to their determination to adapt and persevere.
