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To: MrRelevant

“ The main reason folks “feel” poor is because they do not have strong budgetary discipline, self control or personal accountability and survive on credit.”

People lost 20-25% of purchasing power from 2020-2025. A person’s income would have to have increased 25% AFTER TAXES just to stay even. That’s why people feel poorer, because most people don’t make 30-35% more now vs then.


73 posted on 02/18/2026 9:09:27 AM PST by VanShuyten ("...that all the donkeys were dead. I know nothing as to the fate of the less valuable animals.”)
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To: VanShuyten

Well theyre purchasing regardless. Whether they should be is the actual discussion at hand. Its not like these folks are not eating out, buying iphones, travelling, catching a show, buying the newest Jordans etc.


90 posted on 02/18/2026 10:42:48 AM PST by MrRelevant
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To: VanShuyten

Correct, and what was a really good income 5 years ago isnt so much now

I make a very good income but it hasn’t gone up anywhere near as much as inflation over the last several years and margins are so tight now with increased costs our customers have less to spend and therefore we have to operate slimmer as well which means no raises—just a fight to gradually gain ground

This can be dismissed all day but lot of people feel like things are just getting worse and will act accordingly whether that is right wrong or logical


92 posted on 02/18/2026 12:03:44 PM PST by Manuel OKelley
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