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Persistent Inflation Keeps Household Budgets Under Pressure

Nov 13, 2026

2 min

Jared Pincin


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Americans continued to face rising living costs in October, with the latest inflation report showing price increases across everyday expenses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported November 10 that consumer prices rose 0.4% during the month, following September’s 0.6% increase. Core prices, which exclude food and energy, increased 0.3% for the third consecutive month. Although the overall monthly increase slowed, prices continued climbing, adding to the cumulative financial pressure households have experienced.


The effects reach beyond any single purchase. When essential expenses rise, families have less room for discretionary spending, savings and unexpected bills unless their incomes keep pace. Slower inflation can offer some relief, but it still means prices are increasing. For households already stretching their paychecks, even smaller monthly increases can make financial stability harder to maintain.


This month’s report also presents an unusual challenge for interpreting the economy. Because the 2025 government shutdown prevented BLS from collecting October price data last year, the agency could not publish the usual annual inflation rate for major measures. The missing comparison does not invalidate the available monthly figures, but it requires care when interpreting headlines. Estimates that fill the gap depend on assumptions and should be distinguished from official measurements.


The report raises questions about both affordability and economic communication. How can families assess whether their purchasing power is improving? And how should policymakers explain inflation when an important comparison is unavailable? Understanding the difference between slowing price growth, falling prices and rising incomes is essential to evaluating whether economic progress is translating into meaningful relief. 



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Jared Pincin

Jared Pincin

Associate Professor of Economics

Dr. Jared Pincin is a nationally respected expert on economic issues facing the United States of America

Economics and EducationEconomicsEconomics and Behaviour
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