They’re too broke to have a blast.
Nearly 60% of Americans say they don’t have enough money to make fun plans this summer — as gas and restaurant prices soar, according to a new poll.
Cash-strapped folks are fueling a “fun drought” with more that 57% of people surveyed saying “cost and budget” are what’s keeping them from having a good time, according to a survey of more than 5,000 US residents.
Overall, the state-by-state survey found 48% of the nation feels like they lack fun in their lives — and 12% can’t even remember the last time they had a free day to enjoy themselves, according to the study, funded by Dave & Buster’s and conducted by Talker Research.
“Together, the findings point to a clear gap: people want more fun in their lives but need experiences that are exciting, easy, and affordable,” the survey found.
Financial stress is the number one party pooper, with 55% of people saying they would be more motivated to “prioritize fun” if low-cost options were available.
The economic buzzkill comes as Americans have shelled out $45 billion in extra fuel costs since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran in late February — and drivers are now staring down the barrel of $5-a-gallon gasoline.
It also comes as restaurant prices reach an all-time high, with menu costs surging more than 30% since 2020 due to labor costs and supply inflation, according to reports.
The study also revealed that 72% of people who do have fun feel less stressed, 57% feel more motivated and 56% feel closer to family and friends.
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