What’s behind the financial strain Americans are feeling?

MPR News with Angela Davis · Aug 31, 2026 · 47m

Many Americans are finding it harder to stretch their budgets — and wondering when they’ll feel some financial relief.

Inflation, higher gas prices and difficulty keeping up with bills and other payments — like buy now, pay later loans — are straining household budgets, while tariffs and changing trade relationships, including with Canada, raise concerns about additional costs.

MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about why so many people feel financially squeezed, what’s driving these pressures and what they reveal about the broader economy.

Guests:

Chris Farrell is the senior…