Kevin O'Leary has voiced concerns about what he calls a "downsized America," attributing it to the financial pressures and economic changes that are reshaping the typical American lifestyle. His warning is primarily focused on the significant rise in borrowing costs compared to the near past, which now affect the size and affordability of homes and cars, as well as the general lifestyle one can enjoy. Here's a deeper look at the issues he highlights and some strategies for adjustment:
Economic Observations by Kevin O'Leary:
- Increased Mortgage Rates: Mortgage rates have climbed from around 4.5% a couple of years ago to approximately 8% today1. The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is currently 7.76%2.
- Costlier Borrowing for Vehicles: Borrowing rates for new vehicles have reached an average of 7.4%, the highest since 20073.
- Persistent Inflation: Despite a retreat from 40-year highs, inflation rates remain elevated above 3.5%. This persistent inflation affects daily expenses like energy, food, and general living costs45.
- Potential Further Rate Hikes: With the Federal Reserve committed to bringing inflation down to 2%, O'Leary suggests that additional rate hikes could occur, potentially impacting everyday expenses even more5.
Strategies for Adjusting:
- Prioritize Essential Expenditures: In light of rising prices, it's advisable to focus spending on necessities like food, housing, and healthcare5.
- Downsize When Possible: Especially for items that require borrowing money, downsizing might become a necessity to manage the higher costs5.
- Meticulous Budgeting and Expense Tracking: Closely monitoring where money is spent can help identify areas where costs can be cut, such as finding cheaper insurance policies5
- Invest in Inflation-Resistant Assets: Real estate is often seen as a hedge against inflation. As construction costs rise, so does the value of existing properties, making it a potentially wise investment during inflationary times5.
In summary, O'Leary is cautioning that due to economic pressures, notably higher borrowing costs and sustained inflation, Americans may need to adjust to a lifestyle that is approximately 20% less expansive than what might have been expected a few years ago3. Adjusting to this "downsized" reality involves re-evaluating spending habits, investing wisely, and potentially lowering expectations for major purchases and lifestyle choices.