A heated debate has been roing America over the past month. What income does a household really need to get by comfortably. And why does the financial threshold for a middle-ass life keep climbing ever higher.Asset manager Michael Green kicked things off by claiming families need $140,000 to function, nearly 70% higher than median household income. Turns out the 140k figure was far too high due to errors in Green's calculations. But his argument nonetheless struck a chord with many in that bracket who do fe ...

Steve Leeman is here at Post9 with the numbers. And Steve, this question about how inflation is impacting holiday spending. >> We're calling it inflation the red-nosed reindeer.How it's really leading spending. Uh it's factoring heavily into consumers views on spending this holiday season. The All-American Economic Survey finding it's affecting where people choose to shop and of course how much.Of the thousands people surveyed across the nation, uh here are some of the results you can see there. 61% say the ...

Core Insights - President Trump is focusing on promoting artificial intelligence (AI) as a key component of his agenda leading into the 2026 election, despite growing voter skepticism about its implications [1][3] - The AI sector is seen as crucial for economic growth, with significant investments and projects being announced, yet local opposition is rising due to concerns over electricity costs and job displacement [2][5][9] Industry Developments - The Trump administration is actively supporting AI initiatives, including signing an order to prevent states from imposing restrictions on AI, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to maintain technological leadership [3][16] - Major tech companies are significantly increasing their capital expenditures, with projections suggesting spending could exceed $500 billion in 2026, indicating strong confidence in AI's potential [18] Economic Impact - Analysts estimate that the AI boom contributed to over half of U.S. GDP growth in the first half of 2025, highlighting its importance to the economy [17] - The Department of Labor is investing in skills training to prepare the workforce for AI-related jobs, aiming to mitigate fears of job losses due to automation [8] Local Opposition and Political Ramifications - There is a notable increase in local opposition to data center projects, with $98 billion in investments reportedly blocked or delayed in the second quarter of 2023, reflecting grassroots concerns about rising utility costs [9][10] - Political dynamics are shifting, with recent Democratic victories in Virginia and New Jersey attributed to voter concerns over the economic impact of AI and data centers [4][21] Future Outlook - The White House plans to release an executive order aimed at expanding the U.S. electric grid, which is expected to address the anticipated increase in energy consumption from data centers [22][23] - Both political parties recognize the need for more comprehensive AI strategies, but currently lack cohesive plans, indicating a potential area for future policy development [20]

Purchasing power parity (PPP) compares currencies by using a common basket of goods to show differences in cost of living and standards of living across countries. https://t.co/X9Pcoi1XGM ...

RT plur daddy (@plur_daddy)There hasn't been much discussion of another reconciliation bill recently, so this is incremental.Trump is getting hammered on cost of living concerns. There are three directions he can take.1. Biden Mode: Dig his head in the sand and make the case that the electorate is wrong.2. Volcker Mode: Turn turbohawkish and crush inflation, at the cost of hitting economic growth and financial markets. While this is the only correct option, the issue is the pain is immediate while benefits ...

Australia will not extend cost-of-living relief to households in the form of electricity rebates, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said, as the government looks to rein in spending in the face of large, structural budget deficits https://t.co/a34IYnMMk5 ...

Core Insights - Generation Z is increasingly relying on financial assistance from their parents, with 46% of respondents in a Bank of America survey indicating they receive help for expenses such as groceries, rent, and phone plans [2][8] Financial Assistance - A third of those receiving help reported monthly aid of $1,000 or more, while 55% received up to $500 per month [3][8] Housing Affordability - Half of the respondents expressed a desire to buy a home within the next five years, but 31% indicated a wish to live alone, which may be challenging due to high housing costs [4] - More than a quarter of respondents identified housing costs as their primary barrier to financial success [4] - 54% of respondents stated they do not pay for housing [5] Financial Behavior - Despite facing high living costs, younger Americans are demonstrating discipline in their financial habits, with many adjusting their spending by dining out less and adhering to budgets [6] - Only 19% of Gen Z respondents are contributing to 401(k) plans, and less than 20% are invested in the stock market [7]

"I regret going to uni."Pay for the typical UK graduate after living costs is now 30% — $10,500 — lower than it was in the late 2000s https://t.co/tCnhYVoABA https://t.co/WaNx551Dwp ...

If it’s a lower cost of living you're after, coupled with a decent quality of life and accessible visa stay options, the following 10 places are worth considering. https://t.co/h43mlngccE ...

Looking for the most affordable places to live on Social Security? A new report ranks the best places to retire in the U.S. with a high quality of life and a low cost of living.https://t.co/SkKf1fs3Xg ...