You've probably been hearing a lot about inflation. Everything from milk to gas to used cars is more expensive and Americans are feeling the crunch.
Earlier this week, as The Associated Press points out, "the government said its consumer price index soared 6.2% from a year ago — the biggest 12-month jump since 1990."
Businesses have struggled to meet demand as the economy rebounds despite global supply chain disruptions that continue to be exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But even before all this, many people were struggling to afford the basic necessities.
But you can dream, can't you? Whether it's the basics or luxuries, people were all too keen to share their thoughts after Redditor Benjamin-Dover- asked the online community,
"What's something you really want but can't afford?"
"I could technically..."
"A place of my own with no roommates. I could technically afford an apartment but it would be literally over 3X the rent I'm paying now for one bedroom. Ugh."
Vibrations
I remember how thrilled I was to finally live in my own space without roommates. I still have my place and I understand what a privileged position that puts me in.
"I'm so tired of being in pain."
"I've literally never had the money for a dentist. Mine all need to be pulled (what's left of them) and there's no way I can come up with the $8k for all the 'surgical removals' plus dentures."
"I'm so tired of being in pain."
pokey1984
This is terrible. I wish healthcare in the United States wasn't such a racket.
"Working every day sucks..."
"Retirement. Working every day sucks when you're 66."
lodger238
"I really want..."
"I really want to have a simple house. I don't have a family house to go to if something in my life goes bad, I have to rent. I would really like the idea of safety that comes with having a house."
imlayingonthetable
I still rent, but at least I live alone. Owning property of some kind would be the dream.
"Lost my job due to COVID..."
"Christmas for my sons. Lost my job due to COVID in 2020. Got a new job making half the pay but the bills stacked up. COVID set so many people back. It stinks."
hollyinnm
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"The problem is that..."
"Car. If I were in any other state making what I make, this wouldn't be an issue."
"The problem is that what I'm currently making by NYC standards is steadily shifting from the lower middle class to the working poor. I'm grateful for what I have, but f**k me if it ain't getting harder to live here."
WanderingGenesis
NYC is so ridiculously expensive, it's not even funny.
"I can't move along further..."
"To fix my screwed-up spine. I can't move along further without paying a large sum upfront, even with health insurance."
RiftCity
Again, healthcare in the United States is a racket. Why is this considered okay?
"My neighbors..."
"A privacy fence! My neighbors are complete asses who harass me and my family and a fence would really solve a lot of the problems I'm having in my life."
Plenty-College-9146
"My freedom..."
"My freedom from student loans."
dowhatchafeel
Speaking of rackets... education in the United States is definitely one. The student loan crisis is obscene!
"Being comfortable in life..."
"Being comfortable in life and not just stressing my way through one day at a time."
tasteslikesailor
Probably all any of us want. If only.
Will things ease soon? Will inflation go eff off? We don't know how long this will last but there is no doubt that Americans are tired and stressed out.
What do you wish you could afford? Feel free to tell us in the comments below!
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