A recent NBC News Decision Desk survey, powered by SurveyMonkey (a global leader in online surveys and questionnaires), reveals that most Americans plan to cut back on holiday spending this year due to persistent concerns about the economic situation. The results, published on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, indicate a climate of financial caution among consumers in the lead-up to the holidays.

According to the poll, 55 percent of respondents said they intend to spend less on gifts compared to last year. In contrast, only 9 percent plan to increase their spending, while the remaining 36 percent intend to maintain the same level of expenditure. This trend underscores the magnitude of the economic impact on households in the United States.

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The research also revealed significant demographic divisions in spending plans. The intention to cut budgets is significantly higher among lower-income households, where two-thirds of those earning less than $50,000 annually reported plans to reduce their spending.

Furthermore, 62 percent of women plan to cut their expenses, a figure higher than the 48 percent of men. Politically, more than 60 percent of Democrats and independents plan to spend less, compared to 41 percent of Republicans.

Beyond gifts, the economic impact extends to general holiday spending. Forty-three percent of Americans report having had to reduce their outlays in various areas due to financial concerns.

When asked about the most pressing economic problem they face, 44 percent of respondents cited inflation and the rising cost of living, a figure that significantly surpassed any other concern mentioned.

This complex economic context is reflected in a widespread perception that the country is headed down the wrong path, an opinion shared by 64 percent of those surveyed. While opinions on personal finance vary, the economy has consistently emerged as a top topic in this series of surveys throughout 2025, highlighting its centrality to the agenda and daily lives of Americans.

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