Financial Hurdles: Why Many Americans Feel Left Behind

Many Americans are feeling the pinch when it comes to their finances. A recent poll shows that a lot of people think living a middle-class life is becoming harder to achieve. Even though most can afford basic needs like rent, food, and gas, they are worried about the rising costs. Housing, education, and healthcare are the biggest concerns, with many saying these essentials are now unaffordable. The poll reveals that people across different ages, genders, and races share these economic worries. The only group that seems less stressed is those over 65. Older Americans have fewer concerns about costs, likely because they bought homes when prices were lower and don't have the same financial pressures as younger generations.Younger Americans, on the other hand, are feeling the heat. Half of those under 45 say they are worse off financially than their parents were at their age. The cost of raising a family, buying a home, and planning for retirement are major stressors. Many feel that even with higher incomes, they struggle more than previous generations did. Housing is a top concern for most people under 65. While older Americans are content with their homes, many young adults say owning a home is out of reach. This financial strain is felt across political lines, with both young Republicans and Democrats agreeing that housing and education costs are too high. Despite these worries, there are some signs of improvement. More people now think the economy is better than it was a year ago. However, a majority still describe the economy as fair or poor. The poll also shows that people are divided on who is to blame for the economic challenges, with opinions split between current and former presidents.