This is one of my favorite charts to describe why economic data and reality feel so different.

If you went back 50 years, the average American would look poorer on paper, but would likely feel less stressed about money.

We’re objectively richer today: bigger homes, safer cars, better tech, vastly superior medicine. But the experience of money is worse, because the essentials (housing, healthcare, education, childcare, etc.) are more expensive on a relative basis.

Luxuries are more affordable, but we struggle with the necessities.