Controlling What You Can is our new series dedicated to asking YOU what matters most on the major policy topics that face the nation. This post is a recap of a poll we put out on 4/12/2025. If you want to join the conversation, keep an eye on your inbox and check us out on X – we ask a new question every week. Want to join the conversation? Sign up here and follow us on X.
We asked you all two big questions about our the cost of living. The first was a general overview question of “how well do you feel the economy is working for you?”
You were staunchly of the opinion that the economy is not tooled to help out regular Americans (by the way, if you want to add your thoughts to this slider, or leave a comment on the page, you can do so here).
After that, we dug into more detail – we asked you “Our next area of focus will be economic policy, which we’ll be covering for a few weeks. What is the most important aspect of your personal finances in need of policy solutions?”
Americans across the country, Forwardists included, are feeling the pressure from the economy. The vast majority are unsatisfied with how things are going and are calling for change.
Across all channels, the number one issue was the cost of groceries and other regular living expenses. Summarizing the comments you left:
Cost of Living and Inflation
- The rising costs of groceries, gas, healthcare, and child care are becoming huge barriers for many Americans.
- One of you put it very succinctly – “It feels like everything is going up except my income.”
Housing Affordability and Access
- The growth in housing prices in the last decade has pushed more and more people out of the possibility of owning a home – and rents are nearly as high as mortgages.
- Better economic and urban/suburban planning was cited as being necessary to alleviate this pressure.
Trade and Economic Policy Criticisms
- It’s no secret that the tariff program is top of mind for most everyone these days—Forwardists are not necessarily averse to tariffs, but most all of you called for them to be more strategic and less theatrical.
- Many of you believe predictability and stability in economic policy is key, and many of you feel we are far from that steadiness.
Frustration with Partisan Politics
- Many of you feel that these economic issues are solvable, but that our leaders across the country are ignoring the solutions to continue their partisan battles.
- You continuously called for leadership that focuses on practical solutions instead of ideological battles.
Financial Insecurity and Retirement Concerns
- Retirement accounts have been hit hard in the last three months, something most noted by those Forwardists closest to retirement age.
- With the cost of living skyrocketing, many Forwardists noted that they’re worried Social Security and pension systems can’t keep up.