As of the end of 2023, the typical U.S. worker could afford the same goods and services as in 2019, prior to the pandemic, and had an additional $1,400 to spend or save per year, according to a January analysis by Treasury officials.

Demar Byas of Pontiac, Michigan referred to experts touting the nation’s economic performance as a “slap in the face.”

“You’re celebrating these numbers, but we are struggling,” said Byas, who juggles several jobs to make ends meet. “It’s no relief in sight, and just say those numbers and to celebrate that, and as I said stuff becomes a slap in the face.”

  • IHeartBadCode@kbin.social
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    5 months ago

    As of the end of 2023, the typical U.S. worker could afford the same goods and services as in 2019, prior to the pandemic

    The hell I can.

    and had an additional $1,400 to spend or save per year

    Bullshit.

    And Yellen acknowledged that life remains precarious for millions of people

    Yeah, that’s not good. There are 209M 16-64 people in the US.

    Childcare is expensive. Education is expensive

    That affects a shitton of that 209M.

    We know that almost half of Americans on one occasion or another have felt they couldn’t afford to fill a prescription

    That’s not getting ahead. Lady you’ve got some WILD definition of “ahead” that I would say over 50% of the United States does not share. Holy fucking shit. You all should fucking stop for a second, especially with interviews with CBSNews. We are not in positive territory. That is not the definition of victory by anyone grounded in reality.

    I’m glad people’s paychecks are going up a paltry sum. But none of that makes any difference if we cannot afford food, live saving medicine, or child care. Those are really, really, really fucking important things. There is no victory if those are not addressed. I get since you’re under the treasury, money in/money out is the primary research here. But maybe just stick to those factors and not a broader commentary on the economy if those three basic things are still major issues with over 50% of the United States.

    HOLY SHIT how disconnected from reality can one be?

    • Kyrgizion@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      Line go up and to the right = economy good. Not that any of us plebs will ever notice. Oh, when line goes down we surely do. But up?

      Remember, if you substitute “the economy” with “Rich people’s yacht money”, you have a much clearer picture of where we’re at and where we’re headed, and it’ll put the quotes into perspective.