I regularly hear people talking about how the economy is doing. I hear people saying that the economy is doing great and in the same day, will hear people complain about how bad the economy is. Which is it? Do people even understand the economy? It's a gigantic, complex beast. I'm older, educated and still struggle to understand it.
I look at the people I know, the people in my area, and try to get a feel for how they're doing. It seems to me, that the economy is more a measure of how all the billionaires and share holders are doing. All the fat cats. But what about the little guy/gal, trying to support his/her family working at Amazon?
Personally, my wife and I do pretty well for ourselves. Older, educated, hard working, and make an above average level of income. We typically get raises every year. This year, our raises did NOT match inflation. Meanwhile, my company raked in $15 billion in profits. My wife works for state government so, that's her lot in life. While the economy is doing good, the family living paycheck to paycheck at the end of 2022, was faced with high inflation in 2023. Did they get a cost of living raise from their employer to match that? Most that I know did not. Now, they struggle harder while the fat cats get richer and our economy appears to be doing good.
I'm also curious what level of income those on the Shroomery make? Combined household income. Also interested to hear your thoughts on this. This is a great site and there seem to be a lot of intelligent, insightful people here. I'm interested to hear your takes. If you think I'm wrong, I'd like to know why. I have an open mind.
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Unless you are one of the billionaires, there is nothing new in living check to check. I have made and blew much money and have had dry spells but have never had it so I did not have to worry and could do all the things I might want and I don't really want too much. I think it is like this for most. Most people I know are getting by like they always did and it seems to be much smoother now then many times in my life. 2008 and 1979 would be two examples.
I am retired and only make about 50 percent of what I used to. I don't have excess and am not starving and just plug along like always. My advice is try and see the truth as it really is and not as people wanting to gain something tell you it is.
Even when times are great, some people do bad and when times are good some do well. Over all, seems pretty smooth. I will say this too. I bought a house in 87 for twenty one thousand that was built new in 68 for about sixty eight hundred. I lived there for 7 years and then sold it for Thirty five thousand. It is probably worth seventy thousand now. There is nothing that new happening now that hasn't always happened. Right now does not seem too bad in my circle but still the same struggle that goes on for eons.
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