Over the last several years, it is no secret that the cost of living has skyrocketed for most Americans everywhere in the nation. Inflation has crushed middle class and lower income individuals, and since January of 2021 when the current incumbent 46th commander in chief of the United States Joe Biden entered office a major economic crisis has gripped the union. Early in his term, Biden championed massive spending packages, advocating for trillions of dollars in COVID-19 relief and infrastructure spending. Congressional representatives from both major parties, both Republicans and Democrats also joined together to support the reckless spending initiatives. What has resulted has been a catastrophic increase in costs. Energy bills, food and groceries and other household necessities have all risen sharply. It is currently estimated that about 6 out of every 10 Americans are living from week to week on a paycheck to paycheck basis.
For families making near the median household income of about $70,000 annually, home ownership has been deemed unaffordable in 99% of the nation. Interest rates remain high, and a recent report showed inflation still was a significant problem in 2024 albeit slowing since the previous calendar year.
In another recent report by the Blaze, the mind boggling fast food price increases over the last five years were demonstrated. In the final quarter of the 2019 calendar year, a medium order of French fries cost $1.79. Today, a medium averages around $4.19, a 134% increase in just five years. Additionally, a McChicken sandwich, which had cost $1.29 in 2019, now runs an individual cost of $3.89, a staggering 201.6% increase in just these short years. A McDonald’s hamburger, which could have been bought for only a single dollar in 2019, now averages a cost of $3.15. Fast food has long been viewed as a cheap, quick and attainable option for many families. This is no longer true and families across America are struggling mightily.
