Let’s face it—surviving in America has gotten pretty expensive. With rent rising faster than a politician’s empty promises, the cost of living has reached new heights. Since 2021, rents have gone up by 18%, followed by another 12% in 2022. Today, the average person is handing over 30% of their paycheck just to keep a roof over their head. And if that doesn’t sting enough, the federal minimum wage is still stuck at a whopping $7.25 an hour, where it’s been chilling since 2009.
The Math Ain’t Mathing (At All)
If you’re making minimum wage, that’s about $14,000 a year. Meanwhile, the cost of childcare alone is at least $25,000 a year. So, unless you’ve mastered the art of living on love and good intentions, the numbers just ain’t matching. And let’s not even get started on healthcare costs, groceries, and the “privilege” of commuting to work. It’s no wonder many folks feel trapped in a cycle of “just getting by” rather than truly living.
The “That’s What You Get” Mentality (And Why It’s Trash)
America loves to preach the gospel of pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, but here’s the thing—most people don’t even have boots, let alone straps. The whole “that’s what you get” mentality basically punishes people for being poor, as if struggling is some kind of moral failure rather than a systemic issue. We’ve got a society that thinks financial hardship is a personal flaw, rather than a sign that policies need to change.
Parenting: The Most Expensive Job You’ll Never Retire From
If you think parenting ends when your kid turns 18, think again. The reality is that real parenting—and the financial responsibility that comes with it—often extends far beyond that magic birthday. From helping with college costs to covering unexpected medical bills, the economic burden doesn’t just vanish. And yet, support systems are constantly being slashed, leaving parents to figure it all out on their own.
Why Voting Matters for Economic Change
Voting might not magically lower rent or raise wages overnight, but it’s one of the few tools we have to start addressing these issues. And let’s be clear—anyone who promises to fix everything the moment they take office is lying and counting on you not knowing how laws are made. Real change is slow, messy, and involves compromises that often make you want to scream into a pillow. But it’s the only way to build the policies that will actually support working people.
The Call to Action: Vote Like Your Wallet Depends on It (Because It Does)
If you’re tired of empty wallets and full bills, this is your chance to demand better. Register, make a plan to vote, and remember that your ballot is a direct line to economic policy changes. We can’t change the system without participating in it—even if it feels like an uphill battle.
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