VOTERS SEE A MIDDLE-CLASS LIFESTYLE AS DRIFTING OUT OF REACH

Summary from the TLDR Marketing newsletter

Most Americans feel a middle-class life is slipping out of reach. This is driven by rising costs for housing, education, health care, and retirement. While many can still cover basics, nearly 60% worry about affording essentials. Only 14% feel they are getting ahead financially. Younger adults feel the strain most. Many say they are worse off than their parents, while older Americans report far less stress. The result is widespread economic pessimism, even as consumer spending holds up and markets remain strong.