Households are keeping a close eye on their budgets as stubborn inflation keeps borrowing costs elevated.

Today, the financial picture feels watchful as families adjust to the reality of prolonged higher interest rates. HousingWire reported the Fed's preferred inflation gauge remains stuck at 3.7%. Over on r/personalfinance, people are discussing the very real challenge of navigating an underwater car loan at a 14.6% rate. For now, households are simply pacing themselves for a longer stretch of expensive borrowing.