When Kyle Connolly looks back at 2023, she sees it as a year defined by changes and challenges.
The newly single parent reentered the workforce, only to be laid off from her job at a custom home-building company in November. At the same time, Connolly has seen prices climb for everything from her Aldiās grocery basket to her condoās utility costs.
In turn, sheās cut back on everyday luxuries like eating out or going to the movies. Christmas will look pared down for her three kids compared to years prior.
āIāve trimmed everything that I possibly can,ā said the 41-year-old. āIt sucks having to tell my kids no. It sucks when they ask for a little something extra when weāre checking out at the grocery store and having to tell them, āNo, Iām sorry, we canāt.āā
Economic woes have seemed more apparent within her community in Floridaās panhandle. Connolly has noticed fewer 2022 Chevy Suburbans on the road, replaced by older Toyota Camry models. The waters typically filled with boats have been eerily quiet as owners either sold them or tried to cut back on gas costs. Fellow parents have taken to Facebook groups to discuss ways to better conserve money or rake in extra income.
The struggles among Connolly and her neighbors highlight a key conundrum puzzling economists: Why does the average American feel so bad about an economy thatās otherwise considered strong?
The beatings will continue until their view of the economy improves.....Sadly that's the lower middle class of today.
The real "poors" are the ones that don't care. They get everything for free with the EBT.....You don't.
Merry Christmas.
PS.....You know it's bad when now there's two "big clubs" the middle class ain't in.
The newly single parent reentered the workforce, only to be laid off from her job at a custom home-building company in November. At the same time, Connolly has seen prices climb for everything from her Aldiās grocery basket to her condoās utility costs.
In turn, sheās cut back on everyday luxuries like eating out or going to the movies. Christmas will look pared down for her three kids compared to years prior.
āIāve trimmed everything that I possibly can,ā said the 41-year-old. āIt sucks having to tell my kids no. It sucks when they ask for a little something extra when weāre checking out at the grocery store and having to tell them, āNo, Iām sorry, we canāt.āā
Economic woes have seemed more apparent within her community in Floridaās panhandle. Connolly has noticed fewer 2022 Chevy Suburbans on the road, replaced by older Toyota Camry models. The waters typically filled with boats have been eerily quiet as owners either sold them or tried to cut back on gas costs. Fellow parents have taken to Facebook groups to discuss ways to better conserve money or rake in extra income.
The struggles among Connolly and her neighbors highlight a key conundrum puzzling economists: Why does the average American feel so bad about an economy thatās otherwise considered strong?
Inflation has created a dark cloud over how everyday Americans view the economy
Anger about higher prices appears to outweigh the benefits of a hot labor market in the minds of consumers.
www.cnbc.com
The beatings will continue until their view of the economy improves.....Sadly that's the lower middle class of today.
The real "poors" are the ones that don't care. They get everything for free with the EBT.....You don't.
Merry Christmas.
PS.....You know it's bad when now there's two "big clubs" the middle class ain't in.