How bad is the US economy in 2026, and how is it impacting you personally?

[Amy10223]

1. Job growth has slowed significantly since President Trump took office in 2025, with high volatility, rising unemployment, and sluggish gains, marking a sharp decline from the 2024 pace. While the White House claims robust growth from manufacturing investments, reports indicate that manufacturing employment has actually declined, with around 19,000 to 71,000 jobs lost since April 2025

2. As of April 2026, U. S. inflation has accelerated to 3.3%, the highest level since early 2024, driven primarily by rising energy costs linked to foreign conflicts, despite campaign promises to immediately lower prices. While initial 2025 tariffs caused early upward pressure, recent geopolitical issues have increased transportation and fuel costs, contributing to persistent, higher-than-average inflation.

[exitseven]

My retirement account set a. Ew record yesterday. I got a substantial raise in 2025. I also got a 2000 dollar refund on my federal taxes. The last 6 or 7 years I had to pay often thousands of dollars to the IRS. It looks like this will continue and improve as well with new factories coming online and lower energy costs

[Amy10223]

I was paid a tax refund as well, because of something that benefitted me, but I have not had a tax refund since Trump in his first term. Before that, I was getting refunds of over $8000 (not exaggerating). That helped me through the summer as I was not being paid as a teacher then for the summer. My energy costs, as well as everyone around me, have skyrocketed.

[exitseven]

@amy10223 You are a teacher? I did not see that coming. I teach as well at a local college. See, we do have something in common.😊😊😊😊

[NathanDavis]

I have my own business and assets... which are quite particular, and not really depending on the "US economy" speculations...

[Anonymous]

These are numbers Trump is allowing announced. Based on his lying, think about how much worse they ACTUALLY are.

[Twodogs0525]

Hasn't really affected me.

[Jeff51]

Fuel prices currently. Im ok otherwise.