Consumer Spending Trends and Protecting Youth Online

Rainey Center conducted a national survey studying voter attitudes on holiday spending, the American Dream, data center security and online safety. We find that voters are increasingly squeezed by rising prices and many feel the American Dream is out of reach. 

Voters believe that ensuring domestic energy dominance is a key national security priority. Voters also want parents, not the government, to make decisions about the online content kids engage with. 

Methodology

Rainey Center conducted an online survey of 1,247 likely voters on December 13, 2025, and weighted by gender, race, education, 2024 vote choice, and birth year. Respondents were also weighted by whether they passed attention checks. The margin of error is +/- 4.9%.

Holiday Shopping

• A majority of voters (55%), including 51% of Independents and 46% of Republicans, cite higher prices and inflation as the primary reason they are cutting back on holiday spending this year.
• Looking ahead to the next six months, 60% of voters expect prices for common goods to be higher (24% "Much higher," 36% "Somewhat higher"). Among Independents, 63% expect price increases.
• A quarter of voters (25%) report taking a second job or side hustle to afford Christmas. Additionally, 25% of voters have either already taken on debt (14%) or plan to (11%) to cover holiday costs.

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