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The AI Challenge

The AI Challenge

This printable booklet contains full details of recent research on what retailers should be doing to take advantage of AI before the peak selling season arrives. The research shows that few businesses are taking full advantage of these tools and might be in danger of losing sales.

The booklet also includes details of research on how AI is affecting workers.

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RETAIL

Customers are fed up with automated systems that go nowhere

As companies race to deploy artificial intelligence across customer service departments, new research from Consumer Cellular suggests there may be a hidden cost to getting automation wrong: customers. More than 8 in 10 U.S. adults 50+ surveyed, across both Consumer Cellular customer and prospect communities, said they would consider leaving a company if an automated system kept them in a loop with no way to reach a human. Consumer Cellular's findings align with broader customer-service research showing that consumers may value useful AI while still expecting a clear path to human help. In a 2026 Gartner survey of 3,566 B2B and B2C customers, 50% said customer-service interactions are easier when companies use generative AI, but 87% said companies using GenAI for customer service must provide access to a human agent.* "AI isn't the problem. Bad customer service is," said Ed Evans, CEO of Consumer Cellular. "We're investing in AI to give our teams better information and remove friction, not to get customers off the phone as quickly as possible. Our goal is to make sure customers get the help they need and the best experience possible, whether that takes two minutes or twenty." The findings reinforce the company's philosophy that AI should give customers more ways to get help, not fewer, and point to a model for customer service in which AI makes human support more effective while preserving easy access to the people customers rely on when they need help. Key Findings
  • Bad automation can cost companies customers. Sixty-two percent of Consumer Cellular customers surveyed and 51% of prospects said a frustrating bot experience makes them less likely to stay with a company. Forty-seven percent of customers and 31% of prospects said they have switched providers or seriously considered switching because of a bad automated experience.
  • Customers expect a clear path to a person. Ninety-seven percent of Consumer Cellular customers surveyed and 94% of prospects agreed there should always be an option to speak with a human agent. When automation removes that option, the consequences can be significant: More than 8 in 10 across both groups surveyed would consider leaving a company over an automated loop with no way to reach a human (87% of customers and 82% of prospects).
  • Resolution and human access matter far more than speed. Among Consumer Cellular customers surveyed, 43% said getting their problem completely resolved matters most when seeking help and another 43% chose talking to a real, live person. Just 4% chose speed. Among prospects, 53% chose complete resolution, 32% chose reaching a real person and just 3% chose speed.
  • Chatbots often don't finish the job. Roughly three in five customers and prospects surveyed said a chatbot successfully resolves their issue less than 40% of the time. Thirty-eight percent of customers and 44% of prospects said bots resolve their issue less than 10% of the time.
  • Customers are more forgiving of impersonal automation than ineffective automation. Just 9% of customers and 10% of prospects would consider leaving because a bot successfully resolved their issue but felt "cold and robotic." By comparison, more than 8 in 10 would consider leaving over an automated loop with no way to reach a human.
AI in Practice Consumer Cellular is putting that philosophy into practice by using AI to give its customer-service representatives better tools and information, while continuing to invest in what has long differentiated its customer experience: easy access to its 100% U.S.-based customer support team.

AI is rapidly changing the retail marketplace—Are you ready?

We at biztips.com have put together in-depth details of recent research studies into AI's impact on the retail field. These studies contain valuable information on how consumers are using AI to seek out the best brands and deals. You will gain a big lead against the competition to learn how they are doing so and how you can take advantage of the changing approach before the peak selling season arrives. The booklet, priced at only $5, can be read in full online below.


Halloween should be a national holiday

MOST AMERICANS (58%) want Halloween to be a national holiday, according to a survey by candy-maker Ferrero Group. This is the first time in the survey's history that view has crossed the halfway mark.
They also say:
  • Halloween is just as much for adults as it is for children (81%);
  • Halloween is their favorite holiday (53%);
  • They deserve their own adult Halloween night (62%)
  • A perfect Halloween night is staying in, not going out.
  • Four in 10 celebrate by watching horror movies or shows, a choice that is second only to decorating the house.
"Americans are ready to make it official," says Chad Stubbs, Chief Marketing Officer, Ferrero North America. "Adults aren't just embracing Halloween as their own holiday anymore – they're saying it deserves a permanent place on the calendar. From reclaiming the candy aisle to redefining what the perfect Halloween night looks like, adults have made clear this isn't a passing trend, it's a holiday worth recognizing."

AI is leading to burnout and longer work time among employees

AI TOOLS ARE SAVING US employees significant time each week, but that time is not turning into either relief for employees or added output for organizations, according to State of the Workweek 2026, new research from Hubstaff, a time tracking and workforce intelligence platform.
The survey found that 46% of AI users say the amount of work expected of them has increased since they started using AI. Only 5% say it has decreased.
At the same time, only 26% of AI users say they take on more work with the time they save.

Key findings from State of the Workweek 2026

  • Burnout is widespread and often hidden. 69% of employees experienced burnout in the past 12 months, but 55% have told a manager they were fine when they were overwhelmed.
  • Awareness rarely leads to action. Among burned-out employees whose manager knew, 64% say nothing changed.
  • Employees say higher pay would make them consider working on-site more often.
  • Almost half of fully on-site employees would accept a pay cut to work remotely at least some of the time.
  • Almost half of employees work evenings or weekends most weeks.
  • A third seriously considered quitting because of their workload in the past year.
MANAGEMENT

Seasonal workers say they need a lot more money to make ends meet this holiday season

SEASONAL WORKERS who are relying on temporary work to make ends meet this holiday season, are looking to earn about $8,585 during compared with $6,209 last year—a 38% increase. 
“Seasonal work is no longer just a little extra money. It has become essential to helping millions of Americans make ends meet,” says Erin Bruehl, vice president of communications at mobile banking app Current for whom the survey was conducted by Talker Research. “We’re seeing more seasonal workers than ever depend on these paychecks just to keep up with bills in their daily lives .
“Seasonal workers are the backbone that keep the country going throughout one of the busiest times of the year, yet too many of them are stretched thinner than ever just to make it through the season, which most cannot even truly enjoy,” Bruehl adds. “They also deserve and need access to financial solutions that can help meet them where they are with tools to get them their hard-earned money faster, avoid unnecessary fees and make every paycheck go even further.”

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    Consumers are searching for deals as never before; price still matters most

    AS ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY continues to shape consumer behavior, shoppers are becoming more intentional in how they approach major deal days like Amazon's Prime Day. So much so that many are turning to AI tools to research products, compare prices and find deals—a tool that was never available until recently.

    There are among the findings in a PX Pulse survey from Akeneo, which specializes in product experience management.

    More than seven in 10 consumers say the current economic climate is impacting how they plan to shop, with many cutting back on overall spending, prioritizing lower-cost essentials, and waiting for deeper discounts before making purchases. The findings suggest consumers are becoming more strategic as they look for the best value online.

    AI becomes part of the shopping journey

    According to the survey, 43% of consumers have used AI tools such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini to help with shopping or finding deals ahead of Prime Day. Consumers reported using AI to find discounts, compare products and prices, discover new brands, and summarize reviews before making a purchase.

    As AI discovery becomes more integrated into online shopping experiences, consumers are incorporating AI into how they research and evaluate products online. The survey data shows AI is becoming a growing part of the shopping experience, particularly as consumers look for faster and more efficient ways to identify deals and compare products ahead of major shopping events.
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    Consumers Are Becoming More Strategic Shoppers

    Akeneo's survey found that consumers are taking a more research-driven approach to shopping during major deal days. Nearly two-thirds of consumers (62%) compare prices across retailers before making a purchase, while only 9% trust deals without verifying them.Consumers are also expanding where and how they search for deals. More than half of consumers (55%) say they plan to shop across multiple retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, rather than relying exclusively on Amazon for Prime Day purchases. As consumers become more deliberate in how they shop, clear and consistent product information is becoming increasingly important in helping shoppers confidently compare products, evaluate deals, and make purchasing decisions across channels.
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    Price Still Matters Most

    While AI is becoming more embedded in the shopping journey, traditional decision drivers still remain dominant. More than half of consumers (55%) say the final price of a product has the biggest influence on their purchase decisions during Prime Day, compared with only 3% who say AI-generated recommendations or search results are their biggest purchase driver.

    Still, AI is beginning to influence purchasing behavior, with 22% of consumers reporting they have purchased a product based on an AI recommendation, while another 20% say AI has influenced their consideration of a product even if they did not complete a purchase.

    "Consumers aren't shopping on instinct alone. They're comparing products across channels, validating purchases, and using AI to make smarter buying decisions," said Romain Fouache, CEO of Akeneo.

    "As AI becomes more integrated into the shopping experience, consumers still expect accuracy, transparency, and trust before making a purchase. Whether shoppers discover products through AI tools, retailer websites, or search engines, the quality of product information will continue to shape how confident consumers feel when buying."

    More than half of organizations have trained employees


    ONLY 46% OF RISK LEADERS say their organizations have trained employees on how to evaluate AI outputs in terms of what to trust versus challenge, according to the 2026 New Generation of Risk Report, released by Riskonnect.
    The proprietary research is based on a global survey of more than 250 risk, compliance, and resilience professionals.
    The study uncovered critical gaps in how organizations are governing AI and preparing employees to use it responsibly.
    "An AI policy sets the rules. Training gives employees the practical knowledge to apply those rules in their day-to-day work.
    "As AI permeates every corner of the organization, employees need to know how to validate what AI gives them, recognize the risks, and make responsible decisions. Pairing strong governance and policies with useful training allows organizations to accelerate AI innovation while minimizing risk to the enterprise," says Jim Wetekamp, Riskonnect's CEO.
    Only 17% of risk leaders say they feel very prepared to manage AI and AI governance risks. While 66% of organizations have trained employees on rules, responsibilities, and defined roles around AI oversight and accountability, the data suggests fewer have gone deeper to provide training on practical skills or specific risks.
    Only 35% have trained employees on how to interpret and act on AI-driven insights and just 18% have formally trained or briefed the entire company on risks related to agentic AI.
    Nearly four years into generative AI hitting the mass market, just 35% of survey respondents say they have trained or briefed the entire company on generative AI risks.
     The report also reveals:
    • AI policies aren't specific enough. Seventy-two percent of risk leaders have a policy governing employee AI use, up from 58% last year. But only 54% say they have clear policies and guidelines on what AI tools can be used and how they can be used.
    • Agentic AI risk assessments are lagging. Fifty-eight percent of the companies considering incorporating agentic AI solutions into their operations or products haven't assessed the risks.
    • Economic risk has caught up to cybersecurity as a top corporate threat. The percentage of risk leaders saying economic risk is having a "severe" or "significant" impact on their business is now tied with cybersecurity at 55%. Cybersecurity held the top spot for the past two years.
    • Geopolitical volatility is taking a toll on companies. The impacts hitting the hardest are higher operating or production costs (65%), increased cybersecurity threats or attacks (58%), supply chain and shipping disruptions or delays (50%), and increased energy costs (49%).
    • Siloed decisions are hurting organizations. Forty-one percent of risk leaders say, in the past year, another department made a risk-based decision without consulting the risk team that had a significant, unforeseen disruption elsewhere in the business.
    Risk Professionals Are Under Pressure Seventy-five percent of risk leaders say pressure has increased on their role over the past year. Thirty-seven percent say the pressure is "high" or "extreme." Yet only 25% saw their risk management technology budget grow in the past six months. The majority (66%) say their budgets stayed flat. Risk teams are combatting the pressure and workload by leaning harder into AI to see more and move faster. Seventy-four percent of risk leaders currently or plan to use AI for risk management, up from 70% in 2025 and 62% in 2024. Top AI use cases for risk professionals include assessing risks (37%), scenario planning and simulations (34%), and surfacing risks they hadn't previously considered (32%). Thirty-one percent say AI has helped them uncover gaps or weaknesses in internal processes or controls in the past 12 months. "Risk teams are shouldering a lot more than a few years ago as risk velocity accelerates. The teams putting AI to work are best equipped to carry that load and prove how indispensable they are," added Wetekamp.

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    Small business owners head to Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers: Protect digital advertising, pass a national privacy law

    In celebration of National Small Business Week (May 4–10), a diverse group of small business owners and digital creators from across the country will travel to Washington, D.C. as part of Internet for Growth, a nationwide coalition of entrepreneurs who rely on digital advertising to grow, compete, and connect with customers. 

    The delegation will meet with key members of Congress shaping national data privacy and technology policy—issues that directly impact how small businesses reach their audiences online. 

    Scheduled meetings include Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04), Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Representatives Buddy Carter (R-GA-01), Celeste Maloy (R-UT-02), and Carol Miller (R-WV-01).

    This marks Internet for Growth's third annual fly-in to the capital. For many participants, digital advertising isn't just helpful—it's essential. Creators, meanwhile, rely on ad revenue from social and streaming platforms to earn a living.

    According to Axios, the number of full-time digital creators in the U.S. has grown from 200,000 just a few years ago to 1.5 million today—making them the fastest-growing segment among 28.4 million internet-supported jobs nationwide.

     A national survey by the SBE Council also found that 80% of small businesses say online advertising is important to their success, and 62% say it is critical to their survival. These tools save time and money while enabling more efficient, precise, and cost-effective outreach that traditional methods can't match.

    "Digital advertising isn't a luxury for small businesses—it's a necessity," said Internet for Growth Executive Director Brendan Thomas. "Policymakers should avoid unintentionally undermining the tools small businesses use to reach customers and grow. Disrupting the infrastructure behind affordable, targeted advertising could make it harder for them to compete in today's digital economy."

    "Digital advertising gives us the nationwide reach to recruit top talent to our state," said Monroe, Louisiana, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mike Downhour. "Thanks to digital advertising, businesses can use ads to encourage talented folks to come work in our state. I'm thrilled to be a part of this group and discuss the importance of digital advertising for small businesses and how it supports communities across the country." Experts warn that broad restrictions on data use could reduce the effectiveness of personalized advertising, raise costs, and limit access to tools small businesses depend on. Unlike large companies, most small firms lack the resources to navigate vague or conflicting rules—let alone absorb costly fines. Internet for Growth is urging lawmakers to pass a clear, national privacy standard that preempts state laws, streamlines compliance, and protects both consumers and the businesses driving the digital economy. Thomas noted that Congress has an opportunity to correct past privacy proposals—but warned that several other proposals could make the internet less functional and more expensive for small businesses. "We're seeing proposals for digital ad taxes, attacks on integrated ad networks that offer reach and scale, and efforts to eliminate the deductibility of advertising as a business expense," he said. "There's also a growing narrative branding personalized ads as 'surveillance advertising,' when in reality, it's responsible data use that makes the modern internet affordable, relevant, and accessible." "Digital advertising is essential to sustaining independent and emerging media," said Tunisha Brown, founder of IMPACT Magazine in Salt Lake City, Utah. "It supports my business in two critical ways: by allowing me to place personalized ads that reach the right audience, and by providing ad-based revenue that helps fund our operations. This dual value is what keeps IMPACT going—and it's vital that Congress protects the tools that make that possible."

    Small businesses stay confident amid U.S. economic uncertainty

    Nearly half of U.S. small and microbusiness owners expect the national economy to weaken in the coming months. Despite the outlook, most still believe their own businesses will grow, according to new survey data released today by GoDaddy.




    In the latest findings from the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab, formerly known as Venture Forward, 49% of 2,100 U.S. microbusiness owners* surveyed predict a weaker economy in the next six months. That is up 17 points from 2024. Even so, 66% of respondents have positive revenue expectations, and only 9% forecast a sales decline. "Small business owners are realistic about the economy, but they believe in themselves," said GoDaddy CEO Aman Bhutani. "GoDaddy's research shows they remain intent on pushing their small businesses forward." The GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab findings reflect a steady shift over time. In 2023, 73% of microbusiness owners said they expected to grow revenue in the first 6 months of the year. Now in 2025, it stands at 66%. Most respondents still expect growth, clearly, but the trend indicates weakening optimism.Entrepreneurs are also adjusting their long-term goals. 40% now say they plan to remain solo entrepreneurs – up from 36% last year – versus aspiring to build mid-size or corporate enterprises. This points to a growing interest in right-sized businesses that match owners' lifestyles and risk tolerance.Rising Costs Put Pressure on Small Business MarginsWhile optimism holds, cost pressures are rising and showing up not just in what small businesses pay, but what they can charge. Over half (52%) of respondents cited limited cash flow as their biggest financial barrier, but existing expenses (34%) and pricing pressure on goods and services (33%) ranked highest among specific cost challenges.These pricing pressures are especially acute among Construction & Home Trades (40%) and Creative-Media businesses (36%), with solo operators and small teams reporting they are feeling the pinch of existing operating costs the most. For businesses with 5–9 employees, wages emerged as the top cost barrier (45%), reflecting a shift toward labor-related pressure once headcount rises.One in three owners (33%) also named financial strain as their primary source of stress—ranking it above challenges like adopting new technology, managing vendors, or finding and retaining customers.Access to capital, often a major hurdle for new businesses, appears to be improving. Only 8% of owners say it is their top challenge, down from 10% the year before.Sharing their perspective on the results, Victor W. Hwang, founder and CEO of Right to Start, a nonprofit that promotes U.S. small business growth, added: "The results of this GoDaddy survey demonstrate quantitatively the drive and resilience of entrepreneurs all across the United States. Their commitment to their enterprises is relentless and innovative. America's entrepreneurs are an extraordinary resource for strengthening the U.S. economy and growing new businesses and jobs nationwide."Commenting on the findings, small business owner Leo Lopez owner of San Jose-based La Fenice Pizza said: "The economy is definitely uncertain right now, but as a small business owner, you learn to live with that. I've had to adjust, simplify, and focus on what really works, and that's helped me grow stronger. For me, resilience isn't about being unaffected. It's about finding a way to keep going, even when things get unpredictable. That's how I've built my business, and I think a lot of us are doing the same.""Entrepreneurs are planning for what is ahead," Bhutani added. "They are navigating these times by staying focused and determined. At GoDaddy, our job is to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed."


    5-1-25

    US is losing the race for AI dominance

    THE DATA IS CLEAR: US dominance in AI is fast eroding as the best minds in the field decide to take their skills elsewhere.

    In the short term, other countries will attract the talent they have long regretted losing—the longer-term consequences for the US may be severe.

    This trend is predicted by Zeki Data, a UK-based data intelligence company, in its just-released annual State of AI Talent Report 2025 . The full report can be downloaded for free.

    Zeki forecasts a dramatic shift in the flow of Top AI Talent around the world that will begin to address the imbalance of AI global innovation.

    Attracting Top AI Talent is a zero-sum game—countries compete for a limited pool of individuals who have a proven, disproportionately positive impact on the innovation of the companies and nations they join. Zeki sees that opportunities abound for smaller companies to attract young emerging talent as large companies employ AI in recruitment efforts that will result in a homogenised talent pool. The full report includes extensive data visualisations and Zeki's 10 Top AI Talent predictions:
    1. The US will no longer be the destination of choice of Top AI Talent in 2025.
    2. India will become a consumer, not a provider, of Top AI Talent in 2025.
    3. Major AI players in Europe and the Gulf States will redouble efforts to retain their supply of Top AI Talent.
    4. Google's talent concentration will set the stage of LLM dominance.
    5. London will be the new epicenter for responsible technology.
    6. Big Pharma will play it safe and outsource high-risk, high-reward AI Drug Discovery.
    7. Nvidia's talent magnetism will reinforce its innovation leadership.
    8. The intersection between quantum and AI will grow but to the detriment of pure quantum companies.
    9. AI companies will widen their search for Talent at a cost to medical research.
    10. The defense sector will buck the trend.

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    The best AI Code Generation Tools of 2025 revealed by Info-Tech Research Group, featuring ChatGPT and other top solutions

    Info-Tech Research Group has published its 2025 AI Code Generation Data Quadrant Report, identifying the top-performing solutions in the market. Based on data from SoftwareReviews, a division of the global IT research and advisory firm, the newly published report highlights the four Gold Medalists in AI-powered code generation tools.

    AI code generation tools use artificial intelligence to automate coding tasks, improve efficiency, and enhance code quality. These tools assist developers by generating code snippets, optimizing workflows, and integrating with IDEs and version control systems. By leveraging machine learning and natural language processing, they accelerate development, reduce errors, and enable greater focus on innovation.

    .2025 AI Code Generation Tools – Gold Medalists:
    • ChatGPT, 8.9 CS, ranked high for usability and intuitiveness.
    • Visual Studio IntelliCode, 8.8 CS, ranked high for code completion capabilities.
    • GitHub Copilot, 8.7 CS, ranked high for business value created.
    • Blackbox AI, 8.3 CS, ranked high for summarization and explanation features.
    Read the full report: Best AI Code Generation Tools 2025

    To my fellow business people: Brace yourself. Tough times might lie ahead for your business.

    Here’s why I believe this:

    • Inflation will soon be rearing its head, ready to strike again—and potentially even stronger this time around.

    • Interest rates will rise, leaving less money over each month for people with adjustable debt and therefore less money to spend. 

    • Many people will adjust their buying habits, concentrating on the essentials and leaving aside discretionary spending.

    • Cutbacks on immigration and a lower birth rate will combine to reduce the employee pool on which you can draw. Good employees will be able to demand higher pay.

     • The stock market will continue to tumble, making people feel less wealthy and less likely to spend money. In so doing, it will drag down the general economy with it.

    • Check out our news items below. Take note of what they are saying.

    Granted, I might be wrong on all of this. After all, no one knows the future. The economy could turn around and get back on track before we know it. It seems clear to me, however, that it must get a lot worse before it gets better. And I have been in this game for a long, long time.

    In any event, you should prepare for the worst anyway. If my doomsday scenario fails to happen, you will have suffered nothing by recession-proofing your business.

    Stay tuned, check here regularly for advice and information, and we will ride this wave together.

    What should you do to protect yourself? Consult the books below.

    — Graham Fysh

    Learn to survive NOW

    IN TODAY'S UNCERTAIN ECONOMY, proactive preparation is essential. A recession can squeeze budgets, slash consumer spending, and compel businesses to make tough choices. However, with the right planning and strategies, your business can prepare for the turmoil and continue to grow.
    Understanding the nuances of economic downturns is essential for protecting your company's future. The Recession Survival Guide offers seven strategic sections—Mindset, Security (risk management), Operations, Offer, Sales, and Financials—designed to arm you with knowledge, strategies, plus 100 tactical action items for each section. Implementing these tactics strengthens your business, making it more resilient, and setting the stage for long-term success.Key features of the guide include:
    • A robust, recession-proof framework designed to help your business weather economic challenges.
    • Over 700 actionable tactics you can immediately put into practice to fortify your business.
    • Access to the Recession Flywheel™, a visual tool that uses seven strategic sections that encapsulates the action plan needed to navigate through tough times.
    • Revenue-specific strategies for businesses of all sizes, from fledgling startups to established firms generating over $250,000+ in monthly income.
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    Tricks and secrets you can use

    IN RECESSION-PROOF world-ranked financial forecaster Jason Schenker shares with you the tricks and secrets that make Fortune 500 companies and high-net-worth individuals run to him when the economy goes south.
    World-class economic advice has never been so accessible, or so empowering. You owe it to yourself and your family to recession-proof your life.
    Jason Schenker has been ranked one of the most accurate economic forecasters in the world by Bloomberg News in 45 different categories. He is an economic authority in the press, including The Wall Street Journal, and he frequently appears on CNBC and Bloomberg Television. Jason is the President of Prestige Economics and a Certified Financial Planner®.
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    3-26-25

    Special report

    Survey reveals alarming credit card debt trends as inflation continues to strain American wallets

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    AS LAWMAKERS propose new legislation to cap sky-high credit card interest rates, Debt.com's latest Credit Card Survey reveals just how deeply inflation has driven Americans into debt—and how many are struggling to escape it.

    For the second year in a row, one in every three Americans say they rely on credit cards to make ends meet, with many already maxed out. The nationwide survey of 1,000 U.S. adults underscores how inflation and rising costs have turned credit cards from convenience tools into financial lifelines. U.S. credit card balances have ballooned since the worldwide inflation surge began in March 2021.

    Those who have already maxed out their cards are most vulnerable. Eight in ten “would need to rely on credit card(s) if faced with a financial emergency.” Just over 23% of them already owe more than $20,000.

    "Inflation may be easing in headlines, but in households, the impact remains severe," says Howard Dvorkin, chairman of Debt.com. "Our survey shows people are still forced to lean on high-interest credit cards for daily survival—and most haven't explored solutions to get out."

     Key Findings from Debt.com's 2025 Credit Card Survey

    • 32% of Americans have maxed out their credit cards 37% use credit cards regularly just to make ends meet
    • 44% say inflation has caused them to carry a larger monthly balance
    • Of those maxed out, 80% would rely on credit cards during a financial emergency, and 23% owe more than $20,000 in credit card debt.

    This financial strain is reflected across generations, with Millennials (42%) and Gen Xers (39%) maxing out their cards at higher rates than Gen Z (32%) or Baby Boomers (14%).

    Notably, over 63% of all respondents carry a credit card balance, and more than 1 in 5 owe over $10,000—a stark indicator of the mounting debt crisis.

    Credit Card Interest Rates Under Fire

    "We are seeing interest rates above 24%, and 27% of survey respondents don't even know their APR," says Dvorkin. "This lack of awareness paired with record-high balances is financially dangerous. The proposed cap could offer real relief to millions, but education and action are key."

    Economic Backdrop: Consumer Sentiment Slips

    This news comes amid fresh data from the University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index, showing a dip in consumer confidence. Economic uncertainty, persistent inflation, and high borrowing costs have left many Americans cautious about spending—and anxious about their financial futures.

    Awareness of Debt Solutions Remains Low

    Despite the growing burden, 57% of respondents have never considered professional or DYI debt relief options,   such as credit counseling, balance transfers, or debt consolidation. This highlights a critical gap in financial education and underscores the importance of proactive outreach.

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