This Small Group is Driving the Entire Economy (and They’re About to Stop)

BiggerPockets Blog
Published: September 30, 2025
Pricing & Profitability

Summary

This article discusses the current state of the US economy, highlighting potential challenges for the broader economy if spending by the top 20% of earners slows. Hosts should monitor economic indicators, particularly the employment sector and business debt, as any downturn could affect travel demand and spending on rentals.

Key Insights

  • Businesses are facing increased financial pressure as loans taken out during the COVID-19 pandemic at low interest rates need to be refinanced at much higher rates, potentially leading to layoffs and reduced spending.
  • The article suggests the economy is currently bifurcated, with the top 20% of earners driving growth due to investments in hard assets, while the remaining 80% struggle due to inflation outpacing wage growth.

Action Items

  • Monitor economic indicators, particularly employment and consumer spending data, to anticipate shifts in travel demand and adjust pricing strategies accordingly.
    Effort: low
    Impact: medium

Common Mistakes

  • Ignoring broader economic trends and assuming the current level of demand is sustainable, potentially leading to over-investment or inflexible pricing strategies.

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