Although the U.S. economy has shown signs of improvement since last year, issues like persistent inflation, increasing debts, and depleting savings are impacting women disproportionately to men. A recent study involving 1,004 Americans by Varo Bank, Morning Consult, and THRIVE Financial Empowerment Services revealed that 60% of women are living paycheck to paycheck, a stark contrast to 41% of men. This financial stress, transcending political affiliations, is primarily driven by soaring living costs.
Colin Walsh, CEO of Varo Bank, emphasized the widespread nature of this economic strain, debunking the notion that it’s confined to certain groups. The study points out that savings erosion and escalating debts are among the top worries for those living on the edge financially.
Women, constituting two-thirds of the financially fragile group, face unique challenges due to historical pay disparities and additional burdens from the pandemic. Marisa DiNatale from Moody’s Analytics notes that women generally earn less, often due to lower-paying occupations and additional household responsibilities, impacting their financial stability.
The recent Republican primary debate last week highlighted economic hardship, with criticisms directed at the current administration’s handling of the economy amidst a backdrop of diminished consumer savings and rising prices. The Biden administration continues to battle high inflation, with recent data showing a 3.2% increase in prices compared to last year, exceeding the Federal Reserve’s target.
The Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes, now at their highest in two decades, have further tightened the financial squeeze, particularly for those seeking loans for homes, cars, or carrying credit card debts. The Varo Bank study found that nearly half of the respondents had to forego basic needs like healthcare and safe housing due to costs.
The financial strain is also affecting public trust in financial institutions. The study found that three-quarters of respondents perceive these institutions as biased against the economically disadvantaged. Women, more likely to be financially fragile, exhibit lower trust levels in these institutions than men.
The stark economic realities faced by women in the current U.S. economy, as highlighted by recent studies, raise critical questions about the underlying structures of our financial systems. While there are signs of improvement, the persistent wage gap and the disproportionate burden carried by women, especially in times of crisis, call for a deeper introspection into societal and economic norms. As we navigate through these challenging times, it becomes imperative to consider how our economic policies and practices can be more inclusive and equitable.
The resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of women, despite these challenges, not only demonstrate their strength but also underscore the need for systemic changes to support and empower this vital segment of our society.
