[ejb999]

People don't compare how well they were off 40 years ago vs today, they remember how things were in recent history - i.e. 3-4 years ago and then decide if they are better or worse off.

Inflation is a killer for the poor and most of the middle class - and a boon for the wealthy (who own appreciating assets) - everyone I know who is not wealthy enough to not care, is feeling it.