We hear rumors all the time, but many have just shrugged it off.

Disposable income is shrinking nationwide.
The following are examples of symptoms that wise folks should notice, particularly in your area.:

1) The crowds at big-name grocery stores seem to be much smaller than you recall (do you still go there?) particularly during week days.

2) Crowds at cut-rate grocery chains like Aldi, etc are large on weekends, as are Costco, Sams, etc.

3) Parking lots at the malls and shopping centers are nearly empty, and there are quite a few places available close to the entrance, even on weekends. A great decrease of teens present on weekends are evenings.

4) The far out portions of walmart parking lots is increased after about 8PM. (overnight parking at Walmarts is encouraged by the stores for both RV's and trucks)

5) Movie theatres, amusement parks. etc are offering discounts or special deals for online ticket purchases.

6) local motels and hotels in normal tourist areas Disney world, Las Vegas, etc. advertise and offer special rates on TV, Radio.

7} An increase of, or unusually numerous garage sale/yard sales signs posted on neighborhood roads. Very crowded flea/farmers markets.

8) The drive through lines at fast food joints are shrinking. A lot.

9) Thrift stores and food banks have smaller and smaller inventory and larger crowds each week

10) Lunch time traffic and rush hour traffic is perceptively shrinking.

11) Increase of roadside panhandlers with signs..."will work for food", etc.

12) An increase of owner less dogs roaming the area.

13) Local news of increased car-jackings/muggings/crime.

14) Pawn shops/payday loan sharks/title pawn businesses seem to always have cars parked out front.

There are many more, less obvious portents. The eyes have it.
whatcha gonna do?