Inflation is down — but the middle class is still feeling financial pressure. Here’s why

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/29/inflation-is-down-but-the-middle-class-remains-under-pressure.html

by cnbc_official

5 comments
  1. At the national level, the middle class is typically defined as households that earn between two-thirds and double the household median income. Based [on 2023 figures](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/20/middle-class-incomes-by-state.html), that means those with an annual income between $53,740 and $161,220.

    Compared to its peak, inflation in the U.S. has eased substantially. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual rate of inflation was [2.4% in September](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/10/cpi-inflation-september-2024.html), as measured by the consumer price index. But that hasn’t necessarily led to a dramatic decline in prices; in many categories, consumers have only seen costs [rising more slowly](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/12/cpi-deflation-august-2024.html).

    [As of June](https://www.nationaltruecostofliving.org/research/pressrelease), 65% of middle-class Americans said they were struggling financially and didn’t expect their situation to improve for the rest of their lives, according to a survey from the National True Cost of Living Coalition.

    “Financially, things have been a struggle,” said Kyle Connolly, a mother of three making a middle-class income in Pensacola, Florida. “This past month I was left with $125 in my checking account and that’s it.”

    Full video: [https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/29/inflation-is-down-but-the-middle-class-remains-under-pressure.html](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/29/inflation-is-down-but-the-middle-class-remains-under-pressure.html)

  2. Inflation is NOT down. It is increasing more slowly. And still at a rate significantly higher than 5 years ago.

    You wonder why Bezos put out that article saying people don’t trust the media, he isn’t wrong and this is a large part of why. Stop. Fucking. Lying.

  3. Because no did anything about inflation being up to historically high levels for almost 4 years. And the price increase associated with high levels of inflation remain.

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