10 Signs Everyday Americans Are Struggling Financially (and what YOU can do)

[@hellocatwalkcity]

In this video, I cover the current state of the US economy, the key factors that are leading more Americans into financial insecurity and stress, how some Americans are coping, and what YOU can do to create more cushion in your own financial situation and/or help those in need. xx P.S. please excuse the sound quality in this video - I’m still getting used to the new mic and I think I was holding it too close to my mouth.

[@abbycatherine8135]

I thought I would not be able to watch this video the week after the election (find the mindset), but it was informative and I especially loved the last few minutes. I enjoy listening to you discuss money matters because you do not put up pretenses, act superior, etc. Agree, it is not about hoarding riches, but about having freedom to make choices and peace of mind, helping others. It was interesting to hear that you, being an intelligent woman, choose to not get caught up in the news. I am going to be struggling with that again as we enter this "new era" in America 🤦🏻‍♀ Thank you! 💕

[@CandidsAna]

Thank you for reminding us not to live beyond our means.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

💯 society promotes keeping up with the Joneses but when we live below our means, we give ourselves a level of peace of mind that no material possession can give us.

[@blake1001x]

Gosh, a trillion worth of credit card debt in the US. Lots of Americans have been ruined by extreme consumerism.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Absolutely, consumerism has gotten out of hand for so many.

[@MY-kh9hx]

Thanks for sharing such valuable financial news! While the S&P keeps reaching its all time high, I am very cautious about the US economy. Live below one’s means and get out of debt are the golden rules. Also, boost our emergency fund. I have been building it higher this year, for safety’s sake.

[@keikei533]

Hi Hannah! I live outside of US and I agree with you that the world’s economy is so intertwined with each other that anything happens to the US economy (or other major countries) will have a ripple effect on the country that I am currently living and also other countries. Thank you for researching and the tips you’ve given ❤

[@Yuru616]

Love this kind of video. Thank you!

[@hellocatwalkcity]

I'm so glad.

[@michelleszeto9]

Great video Hannah! Thank you for sharing. Lots of research and thoughts went into this video. So much noise in this world ……..so refreshing to hear voice of reason 😊

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thanks for appreciating all the research!

[@tara_nguyen]

I hate calling it a side hustle. Side hustle implies that the income generated from the hustle is discretionary income, but most of the time it's necessary income.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

True, the words “side hustle” definitely give off the impression that it’s optional. I think the truth is, many people have side hustles for fun or fun money these days. But then of course there are those who have 2nd and 3rd jobs to supplement their primary jobs to make ends meet. I wish there was a better way to differentiate.

[@maisy4675]

It’s more like second and third jobs. People are STRUGGLING. Resources are depleting. Our money isn’t going far and infrastructure is falling apart. Idk what the plan is but it’s looking bleak.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

@@maisy4675Indeed, many are struggling. Yet there are also many flourishing. Hopefully this video didn’t feel like doom & gloom. It was meant to be educational and also to encourage those who can make some positive changes in their financial situation, to feel empowered to do so. ❤

[@maisy4675]

@@hellocatwalkcity I loved this video. I think we all need a reality check to be honest and to make the right decisions for where we are and where we need to be for ourselves our families and our communities. I applaud addressing the elephant in the room. Too many content creators are afraid that if they speak the truth, the illusion of luxury will dissipate and their videos won’t be profitable anymore. I appreciate your integrity and I will keep watching :)

[@hellocatwalkcity]

@@maisy4675 Thank you for your support. I really want to bring a balanced view to this channel and I'm so appreciative that even when there's no fun eye candy in these videos, you'll watch for the substance behind them. xx

[@AnUrbanGypsy]

I’m not particularly fond of the word ‘hustle’; it implies a person is always on duty; always available, always working and if that person isn’t ‘hustling’, there’s something wrong with them. Hustling to earn money to give to others to make that other person rich and not themselves.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Great point. It gives the impression we should never be resting. One of my fave books is titled, To Hell with the Hustle. I highly recommend it if you’re interested in a good read - amzn.to/3YjcMgp

[@Nicolina99]

Beautifully done video Hannah. Sharing this w/co-workers/family & friends. New Yorker myself & everything has become so expensive.specially housing & food. My mother always says to live below your means & always help others.Amazing tips and info. Blessings to you & your family. 🥰🙏🥰💕

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thank you for sharing the video with others. Your mother is a wise woman. Living below our means is so important!

[@jackieduplessy1459]

So so good!!! So informative. I had no idea the economy was so dyer. I need to be more mindful about my spending. Thanks for taking time to share with us ❤

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Hi Jackie. Glad you got something from the video! ❤

[@nb_276]

Thank you for another great video, great advice ❤️🙏

[@nashsilverstone]

Love these kind of videos. It is really is food for thought.

[@Oystermato]

I’m so inclined to be seduced by expensive things but I keep saying, the more things you own, the more they owe you….

[@terribarker5403]

Thanks Hannah~Love this content~please share more.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

I hope you got something out of the video! Thanks for watching.

[@lillygirl7238]

Great video. Love your comments. Curious about your thoughts of buying precious metals ie gold and silver from Costco? I have not purchased cuz they are always sold out. Mahalo!😎🌺💕🌸🏝️

[@hellocatwalkcity]

This is an interesting question! To be honest, I don't shop at Costco and don't have a membership but I am aware that they continue to sell out on their gold bars. In fact, I heard some rough estimates that Costco may be making $100-200 million just on the sales of these little gold bars now. I understand the draw to precious metals and especially in this inflationary market, people want something tangible that retains its value - since the dollar is losing its value every day. With that being said, I'd ask yourself -- what is your ultimate goal in buying gold or silver? It's not the most practical investment as it's not as liquid as some people think. Costco does not accept returns on their gold and they currently do not have a buy-back program. You'd be paying a small premium built into the Costco price and then when you sell, you'd likely not get paid the full value. I did a quick google search just now to see what people are saying about selling their Costco gold and the internet is rife with stories of people trying to sell the bars at pawn shops or jewelry stores or 'we buy gold' shops and essentially getting ripped off. So all in all, I say YES to investing in precious metals IF it makes sense within your overall investment portfolio mix - again, depends on what you're trying to achieve - but I'd be very careful about following the crowds on this Costco trend unless you have good reason to. Hope that helps.

[@piaruo]

Thank you ❤❤

[@elinl5817]

Love this type of video. It is very sensible.

[@arcilimccauley2113]

Great video ❤. Thank you for king of this video. Have a great day

[@hongily25]

I wish you had included sources. But yes I’m a fan of automated everything - savings and bills. I invest and this year has been my highest net worth but still doesn’t feel that much. The dream of buying a house feels so out of reach and it’s so disheartening.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

I mentioned each of the sources throughout the video. 😊

[@vintagecrazyjay4970]

I recommend the book, "The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey. Helped our family become debt free. Cheers!

[@hellocatwalkcity]

That’s a great recommendation for those trying to pay off debt! Dave Ramsey promotes tried and true methods with baby steps for those who need guidance and I really appreciate the Biblical principles he cites. Although I didn’t know Dave Ramsey when I was younger and in debt in my 20s, I think I essentially followed most of his steps to become debt free over the years. Congrats to you as well and if you’re looking to move to the next phase of growing your wealth, I linked some of my fave finance books on the description box above! 😊

[@ameliarosescloset]

I really enjoy these videos, even from outside the states

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Glad you enjoyed it. The world is so hyper connected now and everything is globalized so there are ripple effects from the US to other countries and vice versa. Thanks for watching!

[@nicolas_arst]

Thank you for this video, that was very informative.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

I’m glad you found it to be informative!

[@jessier.cardona6062]

Great video! I know you have a financial expert background. Thanks ❤

[@bagsaddicted]

Woooow a financial video!! Thanks as always for your insight and for sharing your valuable knowledge ❤

[@maryfan1491]

And invest in your health too.

[@minipleasures96]

our mortgage has doubled since we moved in... that is why i have a 2nd job as well...

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Oh boy! Hope your 2nd job will help pay down that mortgage. Or perhaps you can refinance for a lower interest rate eventually. Either way, hope it works out for you.

[@Lemruz-fh5tp]

Thanks for the info. It's just i don't feel comfortable looking at your video😅 perhaps its better if you just show some slides if you don't wanna show your face.😁

[@hellocatwalkcity]

I understand!! Sometimes I insert photos or videos but this was one of those simple sit down chats. Maybe you can consider it like a podcast and just ignore the screen. 😂 Thanks for bearing with me.

[@idaranwa4370]

That’s what I do!

[@coreykelly2523]

❤❤

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thank you for your support always! ❤