Inflation came in at 2.7% for 2025—down from 3% earlier but still above the Fed's 2% target—yet consumers still feel squeezed because food prices rose 3.1% with groceries up 2.4% and restaurants up 4.1%, while shelter costs remain sticky at 3.2% annual growth accounting for over one-third of CPI, and the cumulative 20%+ price increase since 2020 means households still feel behind even with wages rising 3-4%, making it critical to push for raises matching 3-4% inflation, lock in lower borrowing costs selectively, invest in diversified portfolios with inflation protection, and build emergency funds as prices likely won't return to 2019 levels.

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