28 January | February 2026 abasto.com Personal Finances Under Pressure Beyond the national eco- nomy, Latinos report per- sonal financial struggles. Nearly two-thirds (63%) rate their financial situation as fair or poor, while just 37% say it is good or excellent. Pews survey highlights widespread difficulty cove- ring basic needs: 35% had trouble paying for food in the past year 30% had difficulty paying rent or mortgage 30% struggled to cover medical care In total, 48% of Latinos re- port difficulty paying at least one of these essential expen- ses, signaling that inflation and stagnant wages continue to affect households. Trump Policies Seen as Harmful Economic dissatisfaction is tied to perceptions of Trumps policies. Sixty-one percent of Latinos say his economic policies have wor- sened conditions, while only 15% believe they improved them. Another 22% say they had little effect. These views align with broader criticism of the administration. About 78% of Latinos consider Trumps policies harmful to Hispanics, up from 69% du- ring his first term. 81% Food prices 65% Housing costs 53% Gas/Energy 50% Job availability Principales preocupaciones econmicas Financial Struggles in the Past Year Continuation of page 26 Looking Ahead: Limited Optimism Despite current challenges, some Latinos remain hopeful about their personal finances. Half expect their house- hold economic situation to improve in 2026, though they anticipate a general decline in the national economy. Optimism is limited because, for many Latino house- holds, the economy is not an abstract national debate. It is a daily calculation: How much will groceries cost this week? or Which bills can I pay before the next payday? 78% rate the economy as poor 61% say Trump policies worsened conditions 67% very concerned about food prices 35% Food 30% Rent/Mortgage 30% Medical care ECONOMY FOCUS