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As reported by PR Newswire, the findings of a new national survey from AMFM Healthcare found that economic anxiety and pressures affect most people in the U.S.: 87% of surveyed Americans say they feel anxious about their finances. Nearly eight in ten (77%) also reported sleep disruptions due to economic pressure, while 67% admitted experiencing strained personal relationships.

As Americans grapple with the thought of potentially disastrous economic uncertainty effects, many have begun to implement financial behavior changes. We’ll take a closer look at how economic and financial anxiety are reshaping spending habits and behaviors among U.S. consumers and how you can adapt these adjustments yourself, so read on.

Eating Out in Restaurants Less

According to Fox4Now.com, a new report (KPMG’s Consumer Pulse Summer 2025) found that surveyed Americans plan to spend 7% less monthly on restaurant dining this summer. Economic concerns are also leaving an impact on savings habits; over two in three Americans say they now eat more meals at home. Many cite saving money as their primary motivator to do so.

Eating out less often can do more than just help ease economic anxiety; it can also benefit your health. The more meals you prepare at home, the more you can save since you won’t have to pay someone else’s labor fees. You can also eat more healthily, as personal meal preparation allows you to:

• Determine what exactly goes into your food (e.g., less sugar, salt, and fats)
• Control portions
• Add more nutritious ingredients (e.g., fresh vegetables, fruits, lean meat, fresh seafood, seeds, and whole foods)
• Minimize intake of highly processed ingredients (e.g., sausages, bacon, and other items with too many preservatives)

The above perks can help you manage your weight, which can then lead to better overall health.

Reducing Trips to Bars

Some Americans are also making bar-related spending adjustments due to anxiety about the economy and their finances.

Like eating at restaurants, drinking in bars costs more than imbibing at home. Bars have higher overhead costs, after all (e.g., rent, labor, and utilities), and implement the standard business practice of marking up prices. As Delish.com reported, cocktail prices are on the rise, with some costing over $20 per order in some cities!

As more U.S. consumers feel the pinch of “boozeflation,” it makes sense for them to skip trips to the bar and enjoy a bottle or glass or two at home instead.

Being More Careful With Grocery Budgets

While preparing and eating meals at home is cheaper than restaurant dining, many folks in the U.S. still feel stressed about groceries. According to PBS.org, about a third of Americans consider the cost of groceries a “minor” source of stress, but for half, it’s a “major” source.

Grocery prices being stressful underscores the importance of managing finances in tough times through careful budgeting. One way Americans are saving on grocery costs is by taking advantage of store coupons. You can find these in print (e.g., newspaper and mail) and online (such as coupon aggregator websites).

Many grocery stores also have free reward and loyalty programs. When you become a member, you can receive exclusive discounts and valuable coupons. Some programs even let you rack up points with every purchase, which you can then apply toward your next store purchase.

Downsizing Holidays

Another area that economic anxiety has pushed Americans to cut back on is their holidays. While many are still taking vacations, they’re spending less on these activities.

An AOL article, for instance, reported that Americans shelled out 25% less for their 2025 summer vacation compared to the previous year: $3,132 in 2025 vs. $4,199 in 2024. It also noted that fewer Americans plan to travel at all. Many others (56%) said they plan to travel less this summer compared to previous years, with finances being the most common reason for downsizing travel activities.

Driving Less

As CarBuzz says, everything, from car prices to auto loan rates, insurance, maintenance, and repairs, is becoming more expensive, causing Americans to drive less.

U.S. consumers can save and reduce their travel-related expenses by operating their vehicles less frequently and opting for public transportation. Buses and trains cost less and can also be better for the environment. While they use the same type of fuel to run, public transportation methods produce less carbon dioxide per passenger.

If your place of work or school is near your home, consider walking or cycling rather than driving. It won’t just do your wallet some good; it can also do wonders for your health, as walking and cycling are both forms of physical activity. Depending on where you live, a walk or bicycle ride may even let you spend time with nature (e.g., if you’re in Austin, TX, you might be able to work Butler Metro Park or Pease District Park into your route).

Tapping Home Equity

Home equity refers to the amount that a homeowner owns in a mortgaged home.

Suppose you’ve taken out a $300,000 mortgage but have already paid $200,000 on it. Your home’s value has also increased from its initial $300,000 price to $350,000. In this scenario, your home equity is $250,000, as you now just owe your lender $100,000 and your property’s value has gone up.

With significant home equity, homeowners like you can ease some of your economic anxiety because you have a “fallback” or safety net in case of financial constraints. You can, for instance, use part of your equity to finance expenses through a home equity loan, which usually has a lower interest rate than credit cards.

Another way to deal with potential financial anxiety in the future is learning how to safely tap home equity for retirement investments. By making wise investments now, you can save better, build more wealth, and feel more financially secure.

Ease Economic Anxiety With Smarter Spending and Saving Habits

As more Americans feel the weight and burden of economic anxiety, they’re increasingly adjusting their spending and saving habits. They’re reducing trips to restaurants and bars, driving less, and tapping home equity. Some of these changes don’t just help them save on costs but can also be better for their health and the environment, such as in the case of home meal prep and walking or cycling instead of driving.

If you’re looking for more money-related guides like this, check out KXAN.com’s Financial headlines!