All posts tagged: financial concerns

Only People With Wealthy Parents Think 11 Once-Affordable Things Are Even A Possibility Now

Only People With Wealthy Parents Think 11 Once-Affordable Things Are Even A Possibility Now

Published by Jenni Sidey

It’s an unfortunate reality, but many households struggle to make ends meet. In fact, roughly 49% of American families are unable to meet their financial needs, falling below the threshold needed to cover basic necessities like housing and food. Of course, wealth inequality in our country is nuanced, as it’s integrated and ingrained with so many of our institutions and societal constructs. From navigating the workforce to getting an education, as well as meeting milestones like getting married or purchasing a home, wealthy people almost always have an advantage. Because while the middle class has trouble with everyday needs, only people with wealthy parents think once-affordable things are even a possibility now. And it speaks to how bad economic equality has become in the U.S. Only people with wealthy parents think 11 once-affordable things are even a possibility now 1. Disposable income Pormezz | Shutterstock Considering 42% of Americans don’t have a savings account or money in an emergency fund, it’s not surprising that having a disposable income is something wealthy people don’t usually think about. It’s …

Why Buying A Coffee Every Day Isn’t The Reason Younger Generations Can’t Afford A House

Why Buying A Coffee Every Day Isn’t The Reason Younger Generations Can’t Afford A House

Published by Jenni Sidey

As time continues its endless push forward and generations pass from boomers to Gen X, and millennials to Gen Z, it almost seems like a rite of passage to hear what your generation is doing wrong.  Whether young adults are told they’re spending too much money on avocado toast or iced coffee, the underlying message is clear: Financial success requires sacrifice. Some say that kids these days will never make it the way their parents did, especially if they keep spending their income on unnecessary things. Despite what boomers say, buying a daily coffee treat is a totally okay financial decision for younger generations.   The Instagram account thefemalequotient shared a post from Jess Boyer, complete with an important lesson about saving versus spending. In the post, which was captioned with the ever-uplifting phrase, “Treat yourself,” Boyer broke down the economics of going out for coffee every day. maxbelchenko | Shutterstock As Boyer proclaimed, “Annual reminder that one vanilla sweet cream cold brew from Starbucks a week costs $252 a year and over 10 years, $2,520, …

11 Things People Have Pretty Much Stopped Buying This Year Because The Price Hike Is Insulting

11 Things People Have Pretty Much Stopped Buying This Year Because The Price Hike Is Insulting

Published by Jenni Sidey

With inflationary pressures and general economic difficulties among most households, with 2.4% rise in consumer prices people experienced over the past year, as reported on by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, has taken a toll. From experiences like annual vacations that used to be the norm for American families to regular grocery trips, there are many things people have pretty much stopped buying this year because the price hike is insulting. According to a study from the Urban Institute, nearly 40% of Americans are even struggling to afford basic needs like rent and food right now, on top of the random expenses and experiences that truly add meaning and joy to their lives. So, if you’re struggling and feeling the weight of financial stress more now than ever, you’re not alone. Here are 11 things people have pretty much stopped buying this year because the price hike is insulting 1. Fast food meals we.bond.creations | Shutterstock Despite being one of the most historically convenient and accessible meals for households struggling with finances, especially when they’re the only …

It’s Only Been 10 Years, But These 12 Once-Basic Middle-Class Experiences Now Seem Unaffordable For Most

It’s Only Been 10 Years, But These 12 Once-Basic Middle-Class Experiences Now Seem Unaffordable For Most

Published by Jenni Sidey

Many American families are struggling financially. In fact, according to a PYMNTS Intellegence survey, nearly 50% of American households who make more than $100K annually, and 62% of Americans in other class situations, are living paycheck-to-paycheck. Over the last decade, in addition to having trouble covering basic necessities like groceries and rent, nearly half of adults also don’t have emergency or savings funds, causing them to rely on credit cards and financial sacrifice. From basic things like attending concerts to life-changing experiences like having children, though it’s only been 10 years, these once-basic middle-class experiences now seem unaffordable for most. And it’s largely due to the fact that they’re too concerned with paying basic expenses to save or splurge on these things. It’s only been 10 years, but these 12 once-basic middle-class experiences now seem unaffordable for most 1. Having kids Evgeny Atamanenko | Shutterstock According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, back in 2017, the cost of raising a child born in 2015 was around $233K. But by 2023, the average American family spent …

People Who Grew Up Financially Comfortable Often Struggle With These 11 Habits

People Who Grew Up Financially Comfortable Often Struggle With These 11 Habits

Published by Jenni Sidey

Growing up financially comfortable brings obvious advantages, such as stability, opportunity, and reduced day-to-day stress. When basic needs are consistently met, children can focus on development without constant survival pressure. That security shapes more than lifestyle. It quietly shapes assumptions about risk, work, money, and even relationships. Behavioral research shows that early financial environments influence long-term attitudes toward spending, saving, and effort. Just as scarcity can create hyper-vigilance, comfort can create blind spots. Neither experience guarantees dysfunction, but both leave imprints. If you grew up in a financially stable home, some of these habits may feel familiar. The patterns are worth understanding. People who grew up financially comfortable often struggle with these 11 habits 1. They underestimate how stressful money can be Kinga / Shutterstock When bills were paid reliably and emergencies were handled smoothly, financial anxiety may feel abstract. You may understand it intellectually but not emotionally. Watching others stress about money can feel puzzling. You might assume that budgeting or planning can solve most problems. This perspective isn’t malicious; it’s experiential. Chronic financial …

11 Things That Were Affordable 10 Years Ago That The Middle Class Can’t Afford Anymore

11 Things That Were Affordable 10 Years Ago That The Middle Class Can’t Afford Anymore

Published by Jenni Sidey

Even as the average U.S. household struggles to afford groceries and other basic necessities, it’s hard to ignore how many everyday comforts were still within reach just 10 years ago but are now out of bounds for the middle class. What once felt like a small indulgence or a reasonable expense has quietly turned into something many families have to think twice about or skip entirely. With financial stress and food insecurity rising over the past decade, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report, the issue goes far beyond simple inflation. It reflects deeper shifts in cost of living, wages, and the way modern life has become more expensive in ways that aren’t always obvious. From social habits to practical needs, the squeeze shows up everywhere. Here are 11 things that used to be affordable 10 years ago that many middle-class households can no longer justify paying for today. 1. Owning a pet Hananeko_Studio | Shutterstock Nearly 72% of pet owners say that the cost of pet ownership has drastically increased in the past year …

People All Over The World Are Losing Sleep Over Similar Issues

People All Over The World Are Losing Sleep Over Similar Issues

Published by Jenni Sidey

Everyone has their own worries. Whether we’re stressed about a troubling health situation or anxious about a growing debt, chances are we aren’t the only ones thinking about it. And that’s exactly what the researchers behind the Allianz 3AM Report wanted to find out.  In a Reddit post, Allianz wrote, “We are not trying to make you worry more. In fact, the opposite. There is comfort in knowing you are not alone, even if your 3AM thoughts range from ‘did I lock the door?’ to ‘what if everything falls apart tomorrow?’” Your worries are justified, and the goal of the survey was to show that you don’t have to feel alone, no matter where in the world you are. The 3AM Report shares exactly what people from around the world are thinking about when they lie awake at night. Based on the answers of 8,000 people in Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Turkey, and the U.K., people shared a lot of the same worries and fears. Three major categories stood out as the most …