A recent series of polls highlights the rising financial stress among Americans, with grocery costs emerging as the leading source of anxiety. According to data from Axios and AP-NORC, 53% of Americans identify the cost of groceries as a major stressor, surpassing concerns about housing, which 47% of respondents cited. Healthcare costs also remain a significant concern, affecting 42% of the population. Additionally, about one-third of U.S. adults report that their family finances have worsened over the past year, while 40% say their financial situation has remained stable. The increasing difficulty in affording housing has led to more people, including many older, longtime homeowners, opting to rent instead of buy. Experts warn that the growing number of Americans being priced out of homeownership could have long-term societal implications, prompting calls for broader and more ambitious solutions to address housing affordability.