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
The Strangest Superstitions People Actually Observe | George Takei’s Oh Myyy
The world can be a superstitious place. If you've ever knocked on wood or thrown salt over your shoulder then you've run into one or two throughout your life...I hope things look up for you! Sadly, COVID-19 has continued to wreak financial havoc.
"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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After 35 Years On The Job, Mailman Receives The Sweetest Sendoff From The Community On His Last Day
Floyd Martin has worked for the US Postal Service in Marietta, Georgia for over 20 years, 35 total years with the USPS.
20 years is more than enough time to get to know the folks along your delivery route, and that's exactly what Martin did.
He made an effort to get to know folks, and to make their lives better, and all of that positive energy was returned when Floyd retired.
The neighborhood he delivered to decided to throw a block party to celebrate Martin's retirement, and to celebrate the part he had played in everyone's lives over the past 2 decades.
Local journalist and friend of Floyd, Jennifer Brett, traveled Floyd's route with him on the last day before his retirement. She got to see customers come out to congratulate him on his retirement and thank him for being a part of their lives.
Lorraine Wascher was waiting for him today. She's been a stop on his route for more than 20 years. "He always had a… https://t.co/IUAGg8BbiT— Jennifer Brett 🇺🇦 (@Jennifer Brett 🇺🇦) 1558557674
Many even brought him presents.
Lots of the "mail" Floyd picked up today was hand-delivered. "My people are so good to me," he said. "I'm going to… https://t.co/bogLV3acz0— Jennifer Brett 🇺🇦 (@Jennifer Brett 🇺🇦) 1558557768
Floyd has had a definite presence in the community during his time as a mail carrier.
He has always tried to brighten people's lives, even going so far as to carry treats for the local dogs and cats.
"He feeds all the cats," said Peggy Corn, who's been on Floyd's route for decades. "They all know him, and they kno… https://t.co/pNMCW7k4KY— Jennifer Brett 🇺🇦 (@Jennifer Brett 🇺🇦) 1558558184
Morgan Beatton and River, 18 months, waited for Mr. Floyd today. As always he had treats for their dog, Sage. He sa… https://t.co/frJRZ57zEa— Jennifer Brett 🇺🇦 (@Jennifer Brett 🇺🇦) 1558558799
To show Martin how much they appreciated his contributions to their lives, over 300 people turned up to a surprise block party honoring him.
Once his very last shift was finally over, the neighborhood had another surprise for Mr. Floyd. 300+ people came to… https://t.co/07yd5OPs5S— Jennifer Brett 🇺🇦 (@Jennifer Brett 🇺🇦) 1558663834
Many who came are teens and young adults who have grown up seeing Floyd every day, and knowing he was always good for a kind word—or a treat!
People stood in line all night for hugs and photos. Floyd's known these guys since they were babies. "Now you guys… https://t.co/12oIq12gJD— Jennifer Brett 🇺🇦 (@Jennifer Brett 🇺🇦) 1558664219
During Floyd's speech, he talked about how the community was there for him in his times of need too.
"You were there when I needed you, even if you didn't know it."
Floyd has seen his people through many of life’s changes. Some good, some bad. They’ve done the same for him. “You… https://t.co/cb6IUic0jo— Jennifer Brett 🇺🇦 (@Jennifer Brett 🇺🇦) 1558667263
He had some words of wisdom too:
Floyd said tonight’s sendoff was the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for him. His parting words: “Continue to take… https://t.co/QU0jJER6yo— Jennifer Brett 🇺🇦 (@Jennifer Brett 🇺🇦) 1558667860
Floyd revealed to Brett that he has always dreamed of visiting Hawaii, and the neighborhood started a GoFundMe to help him realize that dream.
It has since raised over $25,000 (the original goal was $5000), so Mr. Martin will finally be able to have his dream vacation.
People absolutely loved Floyd's story on Twitter.
@Jennifer__Brett What an incredible, joyful thread! Thanks for bringing a smile to my face today. Made me miss home a bit too.— Jess Smith (@Jess Smith) 1558706622
@Jennifer__Brett Such a kind and giving soul. Good luck to you Floyd in your well-earned retirement!— Hans Luxemburger (@Hans Luxemburger) 1558573179
@MichMarz @Jennifer__Brett I think the world has tons of Floyds. What we need are more neighbors who NOTICE the Flo… https://t.co/EBiY0nIss4— ariel (@ariel) 1558711080
@Jennifer__Brett Great read to start the day. Floyd's work was about a daily wellness check on a community, as much… https://t.co/3FeyLbCqjU— Idyll (@Idyll) 1558696231
@Jennifer__Brett This is the most beautiful thread I’ve ever seen. I really sat here and teared up. Omg. https://t.co/mHabVqOWBR— T̲̅R̲̅A̲̅P̲̅C̲̅R̲̅Y̲̅ (@T̲̅R̲̅A̲̅P̲̅C̲̅R̲̅Y̲̅) 1558713331
Many shared stories of family who were also letter carriers, and the impact they had on their communities.
@Jennifer__Brett Just remembered I had a pic of grandpa Heg in his uniform https://t.co/SlSSEeeEB6— prayformojo (@prayformojo) 1558679044
@Jennifer__Brett @ddale8 My Uncle Reno was a letter carrier in downtown South San Francisco for 38 years. Forty ye… https://t.co/K3GJhcKJWz— Maria McGrath (@Maria McGrath) 1558705759
@Jennifer__Brett My Dad was a letter carrier on the same route for 30 years and the people really did treat him lik… https://t.co/n53jkrA9HI— Steve Olson (@Steve Olson) 1558718327
Many mail carriers care about their communities, but not many take that caring as far as Floyd.
Sometimes it's the small gestures, the daily greetings, dog bones, lollipops, and holiday cards, that really show how much love there is in a community.
If you appreciate the work your mail carrier does, a small thank you card or a bottle of water on a hot day are great ways to show it!