Americans continue to feel the strain of higher living costs even as inflation has cooled from post-pandemic peaks.
Prices for essentials such as housing, food, insurance and utilities remain elevated across the United States.
Wage growth has broadly kept pace with inflation, preventing a sharp decline in purchasing power.
Despite this, many households report having less disposable income than they did before 2022.
A new holiday spending survey from Visa shows that consumer behaviour is shifting rather than retreating.
The survey found that 28% of Americans would like to receive cryptocurrency as a Christmas gift.
Interest is significantly higher among younger consumers, with 45% of Gen Z
spondents expressing enthusiasm for crypto gifts.
The findings suggest that digital assets are gaining cultural acceptance even during periods of financial pressure.
Consumers are becoming more selective in how and where they spend money.
Many households are shopping earlier and comparing prices more aggressively.