Readers Raise Concerns Over Rising Costs, Economy

New Hampshire residents worry about inflation, energy bills, and the impact on their finances.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:20pm

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A vibrant abstract illustration composed of overlapping triangles and circles in shades of blue, red, and yellow, conveying the complex economic challenges facing New Hampshire residents through a minimalist, geometric visual metaphor.As inflation and economic pressures mount, New Hampshire voters seek solutions to ease the financial strain on households.Atlantic City Today

In a recent survey, Granite Post readers expressed growing concerns about the state of the economy, citing rising costs for groceries, utilities, and other essentials that are straining household budgets. Respondents pointed to the policies of the Trump administration and the broader economic challenges facing the country.

Why it matters

The economy has emerged as a top issue for voters in New Hampshire ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with concerns over inflation and the cost of living potentially shaping political outcomes in a key swing state.

The details

Readers shared personal stories of the financial pressures they are facing, with one respondent noting that grocery costs have skyrocketed to the point where $20 can no longer cover a week's worth of food and household supplies as it did decades ago. Others pointed to the rising costs of utilities like propane and electricity, as well as the impact of higher gas prices on their budgets. Several respondents directly blamed the policies of the Trump administration for exacerbating economic challenges.

  • The survey was conducted in early 2026 ahead of the midterm elections.

The players

Tom Chew

A reader who expressed concerns about the national debt, the declining status of the U.S. dollar, and the Trump administration's economic policies.

Jill Houser

A reader on a fixed income who is struggling with higher costs for heating, groceries, and gas.

Judy Barker

A reader who recalled how the cost of living has skyrocketed compared to her early married life in the 1970s, with grocery prices far outpacing the growth in her Social Security benefits.

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What they’re saying

“Yes, very much. DJ Trump is bankrupting the US economy as quickly as he can ruin a casino in Atlantic City. Unsustainable debt and growing international contempt are eroding the momentum of the U.S. dollar and its position as the world's reserve currency. Oil is now rapidly shifting to other currencies, including the RMB. Ignorance will not remain bliss once this all blows up. Rand Paul seems to be the only Republican who cares at all and is willing to speak up. Democrats will protect overspending on critical social programs, while Republicans will protect overspending on ICE and bombs. Time to throw the bums out!”

— Tom Chew

“Yes, I am concerned. This winter I was whalloped by propane and electric costs. It's an awful feeling to not be able to heat your own home sufficiently. Food costs are noticeably higher at my local market and now I have to recalculate if it is more efficient to drive the extra 30 miles to a larger, less expensive market due to rising cost of gas. On a fixed income, the challenges are real.”

— Jill Houser

“When we were first married in 1970, I used to budget $20 a week for groceries and household supplies. That figure included beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, beer, wine, and food for our cat. Even though we lived and ate well, I usually had cash left over at the end of the week. Now, $20 won't even buy a single roast of beef. Yesterday, I spent $40 on one small bag of groceries, including a few items like a lime, a small milk, and a bag of potato chips. I didn't buy any meat, fruit, or vegetables. Obviously, I know that prices rise over the years, but today's grocery costs stop me in my tracks. With gas and diesel prices increasing, the cost of everything is going to rise exponentially. If only my Social Security had increased at the same rate as the price of a steak!”

— Judy Barker

The takeaway

The economic challenges facing New Hampshire residents, from rising costs of living to the broader national debt and currency concerns, have emerged as a major issue shaping the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Voters are looking for solutions to ease the financial pressures on households and restore economic stability.