As the cost of living continues to put pressure on household budgets across Arizona, new research from Cashback Loans reveals the financial sacrifices residents are making to make ends meet.
The survey of 3,000 U.S. adults examined financial security, emergency savings, and the cost of living, highlighting the sacrifices American households are making to manage everyday expenses.
The financial sacrifices Arizonans are making in 2026
Cutting back on groceries was the most common financial sacrifice, with 49% of Arizonans saying they had reduced their grocery spending in the past 12 months.
Almost one-third (32%) have skipped social plans with friends, while 31% have canceled subscriptions such as Netflix or Spotify. More than a quarter (26%) have used savings to cover everyday expenses.
Financial pressure is also affecting how people manage healthcare and household bills, with 25% delaying medical or dental care and 23% missing or delaying a bill payment.
| Action taken in the past 12 months | Respondents |
| Cut back on groceries | 49% |
| Skipped social plans with friends | 32% |
| Canceled subscriptions, such as Netflix or Spotify | 31% |
| Used savings to cover everyday expenses | 26% |
| Delayed medical or dental care | 25% |
| Missed or delayed paying a bill | 23% |
| Avoided attending events, such as Game Day or concerts | 22% |
| Sold personal possessions | 21% |
| Taken a second job or side hustle | 16% |
| Moved in with family or friends to save rent | 10% |
Rising living costs are Arizona’s top financial concern
The financial sacrifices being made come as residents continue to worry about the cost of everyday expenses.
The rising cost of living and inflation are the most common financial concerns for the next 12 months, cited by 54% of Arizonans. Utility bills and healthcare or medical costs followed, cited by 35% and 31%, respectively.
| Financial concern | Respondents |
| Rising cost of living and inflation | 54% |
| Utility bills | 35% |
| Healthcare or medical costs | 31% |
42% of Arizonans have borrowed to make ends meet
For some households, cutting back has not been enough. More than two in five Arizonans (42%) said they had needed to borrow money in the past 12 months to cover essential living costs such as rent, bills, groceries, and gas.
Among those who needed to borrow, relatives were the most common source of financial support, with 53% saying they had borrowed from a relative. More than one-third (38%) borrowed from friends, while 33% used a credit card.
| Source | Respondents |
| Borrowed from a relative | 53% |
| Borrowed from friends | 38% |
| Credit card | 33% |
| Payday loan or cash advance service | 24% |
| Buy Now, Pay Later service | 16% |
| Personal loan from a bank | 16% |
Almost one-third of Arizonans don’t expect ever to feel financially secure
In today’s climate, 77% of Arizonans believe achieving financial security in America has become harder than it was five years ago. Just 9% believe it has become easier, while 14% think the situation is about the same.
Looking ahead, almost one-third (31%) said they do not expect ever to feel financially secure. Among those who expect to achieve financial security, the average age at which they expect to feel secure is 46.
Eric Otten, Personal Finance Expert at Cashback Loans, said: “Our research shows that financial pressure isn’t just changing how people think about money; it’s affecting everyday decisions.
“With utility bills and the wider cost of living dominating people’s financial concerns for the year ahead, it’s understandable that many Americans are looking closely at where they can make cuts. Where possible, maintaining even a small emergency fund can provide an important buffer when an unexpected cost arises.”
