The economic landscape of 2025 has been dramatically influenced by trade policy decisions, with American consumers adjusting their spending behaviors in response to potential tariff implementations. A comprehensive survey conducted by CreditCards.com reveals significant shifts in how U.S. adults are managing their finances, stockpiling goods, and making major purchases since the November 2024 election.
The Rise of Precautionary Spending
According to the CreditCards.com survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, approximately 37% of Americans have already begun stockpiling essential items since November 2024, with an additional 14% planning to join them in the near future. This means nearly half of American consumers are either actively stockpiling or preparing to do so, demonstrating widespread concern about potential price increases.
The most common items being stockpiled include:
- Food supplies (74%)
- Personal care items (60%)
- Toilet paper (48%)
- Bottled water (47%)
- Home goods (43%)
- Medical supplies (39%)
- Over-the-counter medications (26%)
- Firearms and ammunition (13%)
Large Purchases and Consumer Behavior
The survey found that 48% of Americans have made at least one purchase exceeding $500 since November 2024. These significant expenditures span various categories, with electronics leading at 22%, followed by home improvement materials at 18%, appliances at 14%, vehicles at 12%, and furniture at 12%.
Political affiliation appears to influence spending patterns, with Harris voters (44%) more likely to stockpile than Trump voters (31%). However, when it comes to large purchases, both groups have been active, with 47% of Harris voters and 51% of Trump voters making significant expenditures.
Understanding “Doom Spending”
Perhaps most notably, the survey identified that approximately 1 in 5 Americans are engaging in what experts call “doom spending”—using purchases as a coping mechanism for economic anxiety and uncertainty about the future. This behavior is particularly prevalent among Harris voters (26%) compared to Trump voters (14%).
Financial Outlook and Debt Concerns
The survey reveals concerning trends regarding household financial health. More than half of Americans (56%) plan to adjust their spending in April 2025, with 41% intending to reduce expenditures and 15% planning to increase them. Additionally, 28% of respondents expect to accumulate or worsen credit card debt throughout the year.
Expert Recommendations for Consumers
John Egan, personal finance expert at CreditCards.com, offers practical advice for consumers navigating these uncertain times: “Fear of rising prices causes many people to stockpile all sorts of items, from toilet paper to electronics. While it makes sense to stockpile certain items to avoid tariffs, only buy what you actually need and will actually use. Otherwise, you might wind up overspending.”
Egan further cautions against reactionary spending: “Economic uncertainty often causes people to cut back on spending. But amid the threat of tariffs on U.S. imports, some people might stockpile, make big purchases or engage in ‘doom spending.’ Unfortunately, these behaviors can lead to piling up credit card debt. Ideally, you should use cash for purchases in situations like this and set aside as much money in savings as you’re able to.”
Survey Methodology
The Consumer Sentiment Post Trade War Poll was conducted by YouGov using a nationally representative sample of 1,000 U.S. adults interviewed online between April 11 and April 14, 2025. The adjusted margin of error for a sample percentage based on the entire sample is approximately 3.57%.
Strategic Consumer Advice for 2025
Given the current economic climate, financial experts recommend several strategies for managing household budgets:
- Prioritize needs over wants: Focus purchases on essential items that provide genuine value.
- Compare prices before major purchases: Take advantage of price comparison tools and wait for sales when possible.
- Build emergency savings: Set aside funds to weather potential economic disruptions.
- Consider timing of large purchases: If you need major appliances or electronics, research whether current prices are likely to increase significantly.
- Avoid panic buying: Stockpiling should be thoughtful and measured, not reactive.
Related Financial Planning Resources
Understanding how to navigate economic uncertainty requires access to reliable financial information. Consumer financial protection resources can provide additional guidance on managing credit and debt during volatile economic periods. Additionally, small business financial planning guides offer specialized advice for entrepreneurs concerned about supply chain costs and pricing strategies.
Looking Ahead
As trade policies continue to evolve throughout 2025, consumer behavior will likely remain fluid. The survey findings suggest that American shoppers are taking proactive measures to protect their purchasing power, though experts caution against letting anxiety drive financial decisions. Maintaining a balanced approach—preparing for potential price increases while avoiding unnecessary debt—remains the most prudent strategy for consumers navigating these uncertain economic times.
For those concerned about their financial future, working with qualified financial advisors or utilizing budgeting tools and resources can help create sustainable spending plans that account for potential price volatility while maintaining long-term financial health.