10 Big Purchases Americans Are Putting Off in This Economy
Big purchases aren’t happening like they used to. People are pausing, thinking twice, and putting plans on hold. Across the country, big-ticket spending is quietly slowing as Americans rethink what feels smart in this kind of economy.
New Vehicles
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Car sales slowed down in May 2025 after a strong start to the year. Tariffs are creating some uncertainty for car manufacturers. Buyers are carefully watching their money, with 43% even considering switching brands for a better deal. It is clear that people are being extra cautious with these major vehicle purchases.
Vacation Packages
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Vacation bookings aren’t what they were a year ago. In February 2025, air travel dropped 4.6% compared to last year. Rising costs and economic uncertainty are shifting habits. People are skipping big trips and choosing quick getaways closer to home. Local travel is holding up, but long-haul vacations are being pushed aside.
Home Purchases
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Mortgage rates continue to impact home buying plans. As of mid-June 2025, the average 30-year fixed rate is about 6.89%, which is a significant financial stretch for many. While exact universal numbers vary, many Americans are postponing large purchases, and high borrowing costs are a primary reason.
Major Appliances
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Economic uncertainty affects appliance buying. A recent report shows nearly three-quarters of people planning replacements feel tariffs influence their choices. About 20% delay buying new, and another 16% explore used items. This clearly indicates consumers are trying to save money as prices rise.
Swimming Pools
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Pool Corporation reported a 4% dip in sales during early 2025, with profits down 30%. This suggests homeowners are pausing backyard pool projects. High interest rates and careful spending certainly reduce enthusiasm for these enjoyable but costly additions.
Furniture Sets
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The furniture market took a step back in 2024, with store sales slipping 2.2%. Shoppers aren’t rushing into full-room makeovers. High interest rates and tighter budgets have people buying only what they need—maybe a replacement chair, not a matching set. For many, it’s about holding off rather than overspending.
Motorhomes And RVs
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The RV industry expects sales to increase slightly in 2025. However, high interest rates continue to challenge the market. This financial pressure is changing who buys RVs, with more retirees and adventurers choosing smaller, more affordable models over the very large ones.
Plant-Based Food Products
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U.S. plant-based food sales dropped 4% in 2024, and meat and seafood alternatives fell 7%. Cost is a big concern for these foods. Plant-based options often cost more than their traditional versions, so saving money is now more important to shoppers than their diet preferences.
Cable Television Subscriptions
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Cable TV continues to lose viewers. About 68.7 million U.S. homes still have it in 2025, which is down 4.9% from last year. Price is a significant reason why people are canceling their service. While streaming is very popular, it is notable that about half of older adults still prefer cable’s familiar feel.
Vinyl Records
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Good news here. Despite some initial misunderstandings, vinyl record sales actually climbed 6.2% in 2024. This growth continues a two-decade trend for records and shows that people are still very interested in collecting them, not abandoning them. The earlier “plummeted” claim resulted from a data counting change.
Landline Phones
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Only about 28% of American households still use a landline phone, a significant decline from past years. Most U.S. adults now rely entirely on their cell phones. Younger generations particularly appreciate the flexibility and features cell phones offer.
Travel Insurance And Luxury Stays
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More people are purchasing flexible travel insurance, especially ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ policies, which saw a 34% increase year over year. Given current global uncertainties, travelers seek more security. While detailed figures for luxury hotel booking drops are not perfectly clear, overall leisure travel has slowed.
Holiday Gift Spending
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Americans anticipate spending about $1,205 to $1,638 total on holiday expenses in 2025. This includes gifts, travel, and entertainment. Gifts alone accounted for about $641 of that in 2024. Even if overall spending increases slightly, being financially prudent means many shoppers are carefully managing their holiday budgets this year.
Electronics And Appliances
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The consumer electronics market is actually growing, with global sales projected to reach $1.29 trillion in 2025, a 2% increase. However, some shoppers remain financially cautious. They might delay non-essential tech upgrades or simply seek a better value, indicating a mixed market where overall growth meets individual discretion.
Smart Home Renovations
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High building costs and tariffs definitely influence homeowners’ decisions to renovate. While these fees alone might not halt all crucial projects, economic uncertainty pushes many toward more budget-friendly choices. Some are even tackling do-it-yourself projects to control costs for smart home upgrades or larger remodels.