9 U.S. Voters Tell Us How They’re Coping With Higher Prices - The New…

U.S. Voters Describe Adjustments to Household Spending Amid Price Changes

May 30, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ET

The cost of goods including gasoline, utilities, groceries, housing, child care and health care has required many households to adjust budgets and delay purchases. This article is part of a series checking in with Americans on economic conditions ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

‘My husband is asking me, “Hey, can I afford my shoes yet?”’

Callie Baker, 24, Bainbridge, Ohio

Callie Baker, who rides, trains and sells barrel-racing horses, purchased a new pair of riding boots costing between $200 and $300. Her husband, who shoes horses, requires a replacement pair but has deferred the purchase. “My husband is asking me, ‘Hey, can I afford my shoes yet?’” said Ms. Baker, who voted for Donald Trump in 2020 and 2024. “He’s got holes in his.”

The couple has considered replacing a diesel truck used to pull a horse trailer. The current vehicle has nearly 200,000 miles. A new truck would increase monthly expenses by an estimated $1,400, leading them to postpone the purchase.

‘I believe the ultimate goal is worth the short-term pain.’

Ray Bates, 70, Windsor, Maine

Ray Bates, who voted for Donald Trump in three elections, has observed increases in gasoline prices. He described the change as connected to U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran, which he views as addressing a nuclear threat. Mr. Bates works three days a week collecting water samples for testing and sometimes drives 150 miles daily; his employer covers fuel costs for work travel. He has not reduced personal driving.

“I wish the cost of gas would come down, obviously, but it hasn’t been life-changing for me,” he said. “I believe the ultimate goal is worth the short-term pain.”

‘Things that were sort of routine before are now considered a luxury.’

Charnita West Jenkins, 55, Stonecrest, Ga.

Charnita West Jenkins, who voted for Kamala Harris in 2024, stated that tariff policies and the conflict with Iran contributed to higher prices. She has increased home cooking, brought leftovers for lunch and reduced visits to coffee shops. “Things that were sort of routine before are now considered a luxury,” said Ms. Jenkins, an educator considering retirement after 30 years.

The couple has eliminated vacations and reduced spontaneous outings. They attended a movie matinee for the first time in nearly a year and prepared meals at home, lowering the cost of the outing from more than $100 to about $40.

‘They continue to want to pay me to do high-quality work.’

Zach LaPierre, 52, Sitka, Alaska

Zach LaPierre, a self-employed woodworker and salvage logger who voted for Kamala Harris in 2024, reported limited effects from higher fuel prices. He lives in a 220-square-foot cabin heated by firewood and stated that most clients continue to commission work at previous rates. “They continue to want to pay me to do high-quality work,” he said.

Mr. LaPierre has not voted Republican in recent federal elections. He maintains a full woodshed and has observed higher fuel expenses affecting charter boat operators in the area.

‘I’m putting away a good percentage of my paycheck and it doesn’t feel like it’s enough.’

Cole Gilardi, 25, Cincinnati

Cole Gilardi, who works in manufacturing engineering and voted for Donald Trump in 2020 and 2024, fills his vehicle’s tank every other week and has not experienced significant impact from gasoline prices. He continues to save for retirement and a home down payment. “I can go out and not worry about getting squeezed,” he said.

He cited concerns over home prices, national debt levels, inflation trends and stock market valuations. He noted that additional time may be required to accumulate a down payment. “I’m putting away a good percentage of my paycheck,” he said, “and it doesn’t feel like it’s enough.”

‘It’s basically gotten to the point where we watch everything.’

Aquanetta and Jarvis Cutter, both 56, Marana, Ariz.

Aquanetta and Jarvis Cutter, who voted for Donald Trump in 2024 after previously identifying as Democrats, track fuel use for weekend travel, compare grocery prices and limit entertainment spending. “It’s basically gotten to the point where we watch everything,” said Ms. Cutter, a customer service representative.

The couple requires vehicle repairs including new shocks, an alternator belt and a coolant flush, estimated at $2,000 or more. They have deferred a vacation due to airfare costs. “With flights being as high as they are now,” Mr. Cutter, a hospital compliance analyst, said, “we had to put off a lot of stuff and try to recuperate and save.”

‘Having a mortgage will change our spending habits.’

Tonya Pearsall, 52, Tonopah, Ariz.

Tonya Pearsall, who voted for Donald Trump in 2024, reported that her paid-off home has kept expenses stable. An unexpected $5,000 well repair was charged to a credit card. She operates a maltipoo breeding business and stated that further economic softening could increase pressure. The family plans to relocate to a higher-cost area. “Having a mortgage will change our spending habits,” she said. “That’s going to be harder.”

‘I have the luxury of being self-employed.’

Matt Gilley, 41, Harpswell, Maine

Matt Gilley, a commercial lobsterman who voted for Donald Trump in 2024, has responded to higher operating costs by increasing work hours. “I have the luxury of being self-employed,” he said. “So I can go out and haul for 80 hours and make more money.”

He plans to operate with reduced crew this summer to manage labor expenses. Daily wage guarantees have replaced profit-share arrangements for deckhands.

Bureau of Labor Statistics data through early 2026 show year-over-year changes in the Consumer Price Index for energy, food and shelter categories, with regional variation. Gasoline prices have fluctuated with global supply conditions and policy measures including tariffs. The nine individuals interviewed represent a range of occupations, locations and voting records from the 2024 election.