Americans are feeling much less confident about their economic status

The Ipsos Consumer Tracker asks Americans questions about culture, the economy and the forces that shape our lives. Here's one thing we learned this week.

Why we asked: With the rush of changes and tariffs enacted by the new administration and the continued rise of egg prices, we thought it was a good time to check in on how Americans feel about their personal economic situation.

What we found: There was a substantial drop-off since we asked in mid-November. Overall, it’s a 14-percentage-point drop, to just 37% saying they feel very or somewhat comfortable with their personal economic situation. Sure, Democrats had one of the largest drops (21 points) but that was matched by independents.

And there are big fall-offs in other demographics as well. Those making more than $100,000 in household income are also down 21 points. Those over age 55 posted the largest drop of 23 points, as proposed cuts to Medicare and Social Security benefits move closer to enacted policy and cuts to services and staff are already taking place.

About the only group with no significant negative change was those making under $50,000, who were already much lower than average. Now less than one in four in that income range express confidence.

More insights from this wave of the Ipsos Consumer Tracker:

It's not just eggs: Americans feel prices are higher on most goods

Many Americans are losing faith in the safety of air travel

Only half of men think feminism benefits both sexes

Republicans and independents are feeling more threatened

The Ipsos Care-o-Meter: What does America know about vs. what does America care about