More Americans Feel the Squeeze of Rising Costs

As inflation continues to weigh on wallets, many Americans now believe that earning at least $100,000 a year is the magic number to ease concerns about everyday living expenses. Recent data from Edelman Financial Engines revealed that 58% of people across the U.S. think hitting this income mark would reduce their financial stress.

Interestingly, the desire for six-figure earnings is most pronounced among those in their 30s and 40s, with 71% of individuals in their 30s and 75% in their 40s eyeing $100,000 as the minimum threshold for comfortable living. This generational divide suggests that middle-aged Americans are feeling the economic squeeze more acutely, likely due to the combined pressures of housing, healthcare, and raising children.

As cost-of-living challenges persist, the data highlights how expectations around income and financial security are shifting in today’s economic climate.