Homes available for sale in the Cartwright Ranch by D.R. Horton community in Crandall, Texas. Recent economic indicators signal a slowdown, and financial markets are volatile, so Texans should prepare for a possible recession.

President Donald Trump holds a chart as he discusses the economy in the Oval Office of the White House, Aug. 7, 2025, in Washington. Recent economic indicators signal a slowdown, and financial markets are volatile, so Texans should prepare for a possible recession.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivers remarks on the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" at Don's Machine Shop in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, on July 16, 2025. Recent economic indicators signal a slowdown, and financial markets are volatile, so Texans should prepare for a possible recession.

Turkey is cheaper this year, but when it comes to prices, it’s the only bright spot on the Thanksgiving table.

Grocery prices are 2.7% higher than last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ consumer price index. The energy needed to cook the food is much higher, with electricity up 5.1% and natural gas 11.7% higher.

Higher consumer prices and financial market turbulence are sapping our holiday cheer. But there are things we can do to ease the anxiety and prepare for an uncertain future.

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First, economic indicators are sending mixed signals.

For example, retailers expect consumer spending this holiday season to rise compared to last year, which could indicate a buoyant consumer. The National Retail Federation expects Americans to spend more than $1 trillion on the holidays for the first time.

“We remain bullish about the holiday shopping season and expect that consumers will continue to seek savings in nonessential categories to be able to spend on gifts for loved ones,” said Matthew Shay, the federation’s president and CEO.

The expected 3.7% increase in spending over........

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