BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 Eaton and her sister, Christy Eaton, were shopping at African Boutique for a dress for a work event when they described the financial strain many families are facing.<\/p>\n
\u201cEspecially if you have kids, it\u2019s something you have to manage the struggles and all,\u201d said Eva Eaton.<\/p>\n
The sisters said even discount shopping no longer provides the relief it once did. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf you go into a store like DD\u2019s or even Goodwill, the prices are only about five dollars cheaper and Goodwill is supposed to be used items,\u201d said Christy Eaton.<\/p>\n
She added balancing necessities while maintaining a professional appearance has become increasingly difficult.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have me and my two kids. I used to be able to buy $30 worth of ground beef and we could make more than one meal out of it,\u201d she said. \u201cNow you can barely feed four people with that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eva Eaton said rising expenses leave little room in family budgets after bills are paid.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou used to be able to pay your rent and still have money left over to take your kids out somewhere or even go shopping,\u201d she said. \u201cNowadays, after you pay your bills, you really can\u2019t do that because the cost of living is too high.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to a 2026 Resume Now report, 92% of surveyed workers cut back on spending in 2025. The report found about 40% reduced spending on essentials such as groceries and medical care, while nearly one in five adults dipped into savings to cover daily expenses. <\/p>\n
Others adopted \u201cno-buy\u201d challenges to limit spending on nonessential items such as clothing and technology.<\/p>\n
Local business owners said they are also feeling the effects of inflation and reduced consumer spending.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m feeling it too,\u201d said Nikki, a local business owner. \u201cA lot of customers tell me, \u2018Miss Nikki, it\u2019s tough.\u2019 They say they have to choose between putting food on the table for their kids or buying hair products.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked what they would like to see from elected officials, both women said they want leaders to listen more closely to the concerns of working families.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome support would help and a little understanding,\u201d Eva Eaton said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey need to actually come and listen to the people,\u201d Christy Eaton said. \u201cThey\u2019re not listening, they\u2019re not hearing us, and they\u2019re not giving people a chance to talk. <\/p>\n
If you listen to the people living through it, you\u2019ll know what needs to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n
As prices continue to rise, many residents said they hope local and national leaders will work toward solutions to ease financial pressures on working families.<\/p>\n
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