Yes, America Is Rigged Against Workers

This is really dumb. I live in the suburbs of a semi major city, but not a major city. My housing costs $1500/month and that's at best around the average for my area or a bit lower than average. There is also a $200 HOA. My car payment for my base model 2016 Toyota Corolla is $236. I had some ins and got a heavy discount, put $5k down, and got a financing period of five years at 2.35%. Because I live in an area with a lot of car insurance fraud and I've had an accident in the last three years, my car insurance is $400 monthly. Add a $40 cell bill, $80 in gas, $120 in pet care fees, $480 in groceries, and $150 into my 401k.

Add all that together and I would definitely be living paycheck to paycheck if I lived alone. Keep in mind I have a STEM degree, work in IT, and have five years experience. I have no college debt or any other outstanding debt. I am lucky enough to be married, have a decent education and marketable skills, and come from an upper middle class family with decent financial foresight so I don't have many of the financial worries others have.

/r/Economics Thread Parent Link - nytimes.com