I have been rather fortunate, and well paid (~$120K after taxes and savings). Even 3 years ago, I didn’t have to think about money day to day. I was brought up with a very modest lifestyle, so the things that feel extravagent to me were affordable in that context.
Today my wife and I eat out less, shop for groceries differently, and plan things that used to be a small purchase more carefully. It’s not a struggle in the important senses, but I have a clear feeling of “it’s going to get worse”, and I want to make lifestyle adjustments ahead of that rather than falling behind it.
I have been rather fortunate, and well paid (~$120K after taxes and savings). Even 3 years ago, I didn’t have to think about money day to day. I was brought up with a very modest lifestyle, so the things that feel extravagent to me were affordable in that context.
Today my wife and I eat out less, shop for groceries differently, and plan things that used to be a small purchase more carefully. It’s not a struggle in the important senses, but I have a clear feeling of “it’s going to get worse”, and I want to make lifestyle adjustments ahead of that rather than falling behind it.