Primerica Index Shows Flat Household Budgets for Middle-Income Americans

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According to the latest Primerica Household Budget Index™ data, the purchasing power for middle-income Americans remained flat in February, indicating ongoing economic challenges for many families. The index, which tracks household budgets and spending power, showed no significant changes from the previous month, suggesting that middle-class consumers are facing persistent financial pressures.

Why it matters

The Primerica Household Budget Index™ is a closely watched indicator of the financial health of middle-income Americans, who make up a significant portion of the consumer economy. Flat or declining purchasing power can have ripple effects across various industries and sectors, as families have less discretionary income to spend on goods and services.

The details

The Primerica Household Budget Index™ is a proprietary metric developed by the financial services company Primerica to track the purchasing power and financial well-being of middle-income households. The index is based on a survey of thousands of American families, examining factors such as income, expenses, and overall financial stability.

• The latest Primerica Household Budget Index™ data was released on March 31, 2026.
• The index showed no significant changes in purchasing power for middle-income Americans between January and February 2026.

What’s next

Primerica plans to release the next update to the Household Budget Index™ in April 2026, providing further insight into the economic trends affecting middle-class consumers.