[BillM]

It's not just what you get payed, it's what you do with the money.

Amen.
Low interest rates have lowered the cost of housing, car ownership etc.

Low costs at places like Walmart have reduced the cost of consumption.

In other words MORE DISPOSABLE/INVESTABLE money!

[.cnI redruM]

Now there is an interesting avenue to pursue. How much was cost of living in 1999 vs 2005?

If disposable income = take-home wages - living expenses, that may be a more accurate gage of how well off we are.

[raybbr]

I also notice how he conveniently leaves out the increases in local taxes. Mine have doubled in six years.

I also can't wait for the super-capitalists who will come here and poo-poo the idea of adjusting for "real" wages while on every other thread they will always talk about "real" dollars as it pertains to prices.

[Eagles Talon IV]

You win the Kewpie Doll!!

[Fudd]

On the other hand, some in government think we keep too much of the money we earn, and are trying hard to "rectify" the situation.

[hedgetrimmer]

In other words MORE DISPOSABLE/INVESTABLE money!

You ignore the fact that wages have deflated significantly. The cost of housing, not inlcuding interest rates, is sky high. Energy is sky high. Wealth producting industries are closed or declining. People whose wages have been cut do not have extra money for investing.