When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in the United States at the beginning of 2020, quarantine and social distancing regulations caused consumer behaviors to change dramatically. Many stores and restaurants were required to close down temporarily, and only able to reopen with limited capacity and increased safety regulations. Several other businesses that were deemed non-essential—such as beauty salons and barber shops—were unable to operate for an even longer period.
As a result, many Americans were able to save money during the pandemic. When stimulus checks and other financial relief began reaching bank accounts—from the first payment in March 2020 to the third round in March 2021—many households were able to improve their financial situations by increasing savings and paying down debt.
The Gwinnett Daily Post is a daily newspaper published in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and serves as the county's legal organ. The newspaper is owned by Times-Journal Inc. and prints Wednesday and Sunday each week.