Most of that increase in spending is driven by housing costs, which have surged, Zandi told CNN in an email on Friday. He added that families are also spending more at the grocery store; on buying, maintaining and insuring vehicles and on recreational services like cable.
Of course, paychecks have also grown over the past two years — but not by as much as the cost of living
What a terribly written article. It makes it sound like all Americans suddenly have mortgages at the current 7％ when reality is most are sitting with current loans in the 3％ range and much lower payments. This headline assumes everyone is paying the current rates.
Most Americans pay rent, not mortgage. Rent changes every year/when the lease renews.