This podcast episode explores the Kansas City Fed's Beige Book entry, which highlights how consumers are coping with inflation by sharing expenses. Consumers are increasingly sharing housing and meals to manage household budgets. Despite concerns about inflation, consumers are still willing to spend on discretionary items like cars. Car sales have remained resilient, with dealers offering subsidized loans to make financing more affordable. Additionally, the podcast mentions the NPR Beige Awards, which recognize humorous or unusual statements about the economy.