The Library
The affordability crisis, explained.
Why a normal life got unaffordable — and what we do about it. Sourced explainers on housing, healthcare, childcare, wages, debt, and the American Dream.
Do Dollar Tree Employees Make a Living Wage?
Do Dollar Tree employees make a living wage? Run the numbers against the MIT Living Wage Calculator — the gap is wide, and it's not unique to one chain.
Wages & Living WageIs the Minimum Wage a Living Wage? Here's the Math
Is minimum wage a living wage? Run the math: $7.25/hour is about $15,000 a year — below the cost of a one-bedroom apartment almost everywhere.
Wages & Living WageLiving Paycheck to Paycheck in America
Living paycheck to paycheck isn't rare — surveys put 60%+ of Americans there, including high earners. Here's why, with real numbers and sources.
Saving & RetirementAverage Savings by Age: How Do You Compare?
Average savings by age, with real Federal Reserve numbers. See how you compare — and why the medians are far lower than the averages suggest.
Wages & Living WageLiving Wage vs Minimum Wage: What's the Difference?
Living wage vs minimum wage: one is a legal floor, the other is what life actually costs. Here's the gap, with real numbers and sources.
Everyday CostsWhy Is Food So Expensive?
Why is food so expensive? Grocery prices jumped ~25% in four years while wages lagged. Here's what's really driving the cost of your cart.
Childcare & Family CostsAverage Cost of Daycare by State
The average cost of daycare runs $10,000–$17,000+ per child a year — more than college tuition in many states. See the numbers and why childcare costs this much.
Everyday CostsWhy Are Cars So Expensive Now?
Why are cars so expensive now? Average new-car payments hit $730+ a month. The real reasons — prices, rates, and longer loans — and why it strains every budget.
Healthcare & Medical DebtWhy Is Healthcare So Expensive in America?
Why is healthcare so expensive in America? The real reasons — pricing, admin costs, and a system built around profit. The data behind $25,000 family premiums.
Housing & HomeownershipWhat It Means to Be House Poor (and How to Avoid It)
House poor means owning a home that eats most of your income. Learn the warning signs, the real numbers, and why so many buyers fall into the trap.
Housing & HomeownershipHow to Afford a House in 2026
How to afford a house in 2026 when median homes cost 5x income. The real numbers on down payments, income needed, and why the system makes it this hard.
Housing & HomeownershipIs Buying a House Still Worth It?
Is buying a house worth it in 2026? The honest math on building equity vs. renting when homes cost 5x income and rates near 6–7%. What the data actually shows.
The Affordability CrisisThe Cost of Living Crisis: What's Really Happening
The cost of living crisis explained with real data: rent, groceries, healthcare and childcare outpacing wages. Why your paycheck covers less every year.
The Affordability CrisisThe American Standard of Living Is Slipping
The American standard of living is slipping — measured in homeownership, savings, and what a paycheck buys. The data on how a normal life moved out of reach.
Housing & HomeownershipWhy Gen Z Can't Afford Homes
Why Gen Z can't afford homes: median prices hit 5x income while wages stalled. The data on why young buyers are locked out — and whether it can change.
The Affordability CrisisThe Affordability Crisis in America, Explained
The affordability crisis explained: housing, healthcare, childcare and college all outran wages for 40 years. Here's the data on why life costs more than work pays.
The Affordability CrisisIs the American Dream Dead?
Is the American Dream dead? The data on mobility, wages, and home prices says it's on life support. Here's what changed — and what it means for you.
The Affordability CrisisWhy Is Everything So Expensive? The Real Reasons
Why is everything so expensive? The honest answer: prices rose faster than wages for 40 years. Here's the data — and what it means for you.