High Prices and Shrinkflation Override Strong Job Growth, Leaving Americans Feeling Squeezed

Despite strong job growth, high inflation is making Americans feel the economy is still bad. Prices for gas, food, housing, etc. remain painfully high.

Shrinkflation is making people feel nickeled-and-dimed. Getting less product for the same or higher prices.

Housing costs have soared, making homeownership difficult, especially for millennials. Prices and mortgage rates are very high.

Many new jobs are lower-wage, so real career advancement is tough. Teens and Gen Z worried about economic future.

High inflation offsets good jobs data. Prices still much higher than pre-pandemic, so harder to save for retirement.