Yes
I am.
No
I’m not.
President Donald Trump returned to the White House promising to strengthen the American economy, create jobs, reduce financial pressure on working families, and pursue an economic agenda centered on American workers and businesses.
For many Americans, however, the most important economic measurement is not a government statistic or a political speech. It is what happens when they open their bank account, pay the mortgage, fill up the car, buy groceries, or receive their monthly retirement check.
That makes a simple question particularly important: Has your personal financial situation improved since Trump returned to office?
The national economic picture contains competing signals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate was 4.1% in August 2026 and payroll employment increased by 162,000 jobs. At the same time, consumer prices remained a concern. The Consumer Price Index rose 0.4% in August and was 3.4% higher than one year earlier. Gasoline prices increased 3.9% during August alone.
That combination helps explain why different households may have completely different answers to this question.
Someone who has received a raise, found a better job, benefited from tax changes, or watched investments rise may feel financially stronger. Another household dealing with increased food, fuel, insurance, housing, or borrowing costs may have a very different experience.
Current polling also shows that affordability remains politically important. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released September 21 found substantial dissatisfaction with the cost of living, demonstrating how closely Americans continue to watch household expenses.
Rather than asking what politicians or economists say Americans should be feeling, this poll asks about your own finances.
Think about your income, savings, retirement accounts, grocery bills, energy costs, housing expenses, debt, and overall purchasing power.