With the economy exhibiting conflicting indicators, it comes as no surprise that companies are adopting a cautious approach and implementing cost-cutting measures. Regrettably, marketing budgets are frequently the initial casualty. In December 2022, we conducted a survey among nearly three dozen Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) from prominent consumer companies in North America. The findings revealed that, on average, these CMOs reported an 8 percent reduction in marketing expenditures over the preceding 12 months, as demanded by their company boards. In certain instances, marketing budgets were even subjected to more substantial cuts of 10 to 20 percent. Shockingly, one prominent public company went so far as to slash its marketing budget by over 20 percent. Finding a balance between cost management and maintaining a robust marketing presence is crucial to navigate the complexities of today’s business landscape.