RT Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes)This is how the average Google employee lives in Mountain View, California (Silicon Valley)I’ve actually driven through this area, every road is lined with RVs. There are RVs EVERYWHEREThe cost of living is so high in the area, almost all employees live out of these RVs https://t.co/QeQaOgKzus ...

Economic Indicators - Purchasing power parity (PPP) compares currencies to reflect cost and standards of living differences across countries [1]

Labor Market Overview - The government shutdown has delayed the release of the Bureau of Labor Statistics' September jobs report, marking the first such delay since 2013 [1] - Pessimism about the US economy is high, with 59% of Americans believing it is worsening [2] - ADP data indicates a net loss of 35,000 jobs in the US across August and September in the private sector [3] - The labor market is described as "frozen," with limited hiring outside of healthcare and AI-related engineering roles [4] - A poll indicates that 67% of people are worried about inflation [7] Economic Impact and Policy - The Federal Reserve needs jobs data to determine interest rate policy, but is currently operating without it [8] - Consumer growth has slowed, leading to a "K-shaped economy" where the top 20% and AI companies drive GDP growth while the middle class feels squeezed [16] - Many Americans feel stuck, contributing to economic pessimism [19] Political Perspectives - Some young Trump voters feel he has not prioritized lower prices as they had hoped [10] - Some voters believe the economy is stronger under Trump, while others are concerned about the cost of living [13][14] - Voters are confused about the economy, highlighting the need for clear messaging [22]

Learn why some economists and policy makers believe that inflation is good, or even necessary, for economic growth, even though it can raise the cost of living for many. https://t.co/wfOot8ezaY ...

Core Insights - The U.S. Census Bureau reported a modest increase in median household income from $82,690 in 2023 to $83,730 in 2024, reflecting a rise of just over $1,000, which kept pace with inflation [1][2] Income Distribution - Asian and Hispanic households experienced a median income increase of approximately 5% from 2023 to 2024, while Black households saw a decline of around 3%, and white households remained relatively unchanged [3] - The widening racial pay gap is highlighted, with the median income for Black households significantly lower than that of white and Asian households in 2024 [3] Gender Pay Gap - The gender pay gap widened in 2024, with full-time male workers seeing wage increases of 3.7%, compared to just 1.5% for female workers, impacting households where women are primary earners [4] Economic Impact of Income Increase - The additional $1,040 per year translates to about $86 per month, which, while seemingly small, can have a strategic impact if utilized effectively [5] - For example, using the extra $86 to pay down credit card debt can reduce interest costs and repayment time, or it can serve as a small emergency fund [6] Cost of Living Considerations - For families facing rising costs that outpace wage increases, the additional income may be quickly absorbed by essential expenses such as rent, groceries, and utilities [7] - Recommendations for managing finances include renegotiating insurance rates, scrutinizing grocery bills, and reducing discretionary spending to reclaim some of the additional income [7]

Looking for an apartment in New York City? Making six figures? Good luck. On today’s Big Take podcast: @sarahsholder, @PaulinaCachero and @EmMurphEis unpack why even higher earners are feeling the squeeze. https://t.co/ZKUcaNAmlF ...

Retirement & Cost of Living - A new report identifies 7 places in Italy where retirees can live well on social security for as little as $1,000 per month [1]

Economic Indicators & Trends - The national unemployment rate is at 43%, while the unemployment rate for young Americans ages 16 to 24 is 105% [1][9] - US import tariff rate is at 195% according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development [1] - The economy grew at almost 4% in the second quarter, according to the Commerce Department [1] - Small business confidence is increasing, potentially due to the resolution of tax policies [1][4] Inflation & Cost of Living - Ground coffee prices have increased by 33%, from $631 to $887 per pound [1] - Auto insurance costs are up 60%, shelter costs are up 50%, and electricity costs are up 38% over the past 5 years [10] Consumer Behavior & Savings - 46% of US adults have enough emergency savings to cover three months of expenses, while 24% have no emergency savings at all [20] - There's increased use of "buy now pay later" programs, which can be risky due to high interest rates after missed payments [14][15] Stock Market & Investment - The stock market is booming, hitting 28 highs this year, boosted by AI promises [1] - There's a lot of AI investment and energy in tech, with a few big tech stocks driving the S&P 500's performance [24] - A record amount of money is in money market funds, offering around 4% interest, indicating people are seeking safer investments [30][31] Trade & Tariffs - Tariffs have sharply raised prices for things like coffee, bananas, TVs, and toys [1] - The president's tariffs against China have caused China to not buy any US soybeans [38] Political & Economic Perceptions - People who blamed Biden for the high cost of living don't blame Trump for the same high cost of living [41] - There's a pervasive feeling that the current economic system is not working for many Americans [51]

This small town offers natural beauty, accessible health care, and extremely low cost of living. Plus, new residents will enjoy a welcoming community and long-standing local traditions. https://t.co/ZTB0HQ7C3f ...

Thailand’s average household debt is expected to surge at the fastest pace in five years as a weakening economy and rising cost of living force citizens to turn to informal lenders https://t.co/JXeg9WfZb3 ...