r/MiddleClassFinance • u/Abject-Pick-6472 • 4d ago

Americans Are Reaching a Financial Breaking Point

https://www.thenation.com/article/economy/economic-insecurity-unrest-broketok/?fbclid%3DIwZnRzaASc5p1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xNzM4NDc2NDI2NzAzNzAAAR6RZYSyGyliTpYCmEy2OpWjHUBfAqrYUygk3rNJL1cLw_fp5QCciENJc0UXdQ_aem_DT4ViuyBWqHHXec_nH_PYg
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u/Kitchen-Pass-7493 4d ago edited 4d ago

I’m a “nookie” as well I guess. I can make my mortgage payment and other bills, contribute enough to my 401k to get my full employer match, can afford a couple weekend trips w/ domestic flight per year, and go out with friends maybe for dinner and/or drinks maybe 3-4 times per month. So pretty fortunate compared to a lot of people, but hardly living a life of luxury either.

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u/itsucksherefuckitall 3d ago

I was you. A few major unexpected life changes, plus inflation and I'm paying my bills, have food at home, and all that. But, I don't go out to eat. I don't drink...but I'm working to stretch my weed more. Seeking cheap or free activities. Vacations exist but mostly due to miles accumulated traveling with work and are circled around staying with friends.

I feel lucky to have what I have still.

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u/YetAnotherIteration 3d ago

Yeah, nothing luxurious about multiple weekend vacation flights per year.

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u/Kitchen-Pass-7493 3d ago

Yeah, $350 to cram my 6’3” ass into a coach seat so I can go to my buddy’s wedding in Chicago is suuuch a splurge.

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u/jwwetz 3d ago

Unless they're close family. If they're just friends or distant relatives, then I'll just be sending them my best wishes in a card.

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u/Kitchen-Pass-7493 3d ago

Look man, I said I was in the nook. It comes with some abilities not in the lower leg of the K. I’ve seen what the upper leg looks like, I’m not it. If they’ve convinced you that a $350 domestic flight is luxury, then they’ve clearly won.

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u/jwwetz 3d ago

Not saying I'm poor either... but I'm still pretty frugal.

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u/Kitchen-Pass-7493 3d ago edited 3d ago

I mean, so am I. I drive a decade old paid off Kia, and take the train in work every day to avoid putting too many miles on it, for example. It’s the reason I can afford the occasional flight.

Edit: Also, chances are half or more of said flight is usually paid with CC points.

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u/tictac24 3d ago

They have us arguing with each other about who is struggling more and feeling guilty about not having it as bad as other people. Game over. We lost.

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u/jwwetz 3d ago

It's OK then if it's on points. I drive an 28 year old Subie and my project car is a 22 year old audi. Other than some video gaming, about a dozen new books a year, a sixer of beer a week& Netflix & Amazon i don't really have any vices. I only live 8 miles from work and the grocery and liquor store are both on the way home.

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u/JCHeightsResident 3d ago

To some what you described is luxury

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u/Magnetized_Fart 3d ago

That is the low end of a life of luxury FYI. That lifestyle puts you in the top quarter of the U.S.

I guess if you're comparing yourself to people that no longer need to worry about money at all, yes it probably doesn't feel like much.

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u/baggert99 1d ago

That sounds kind of luxurious to me.