The Real Economic Conditions & Cost of Living

The economy experienced by ordinary Americans, not the one described in headlines.

The real economy is measured at the kitchen table by American families, not in government reports, financial news headlines, or described by politicians. Rising prices, housing costs, healthcare expenses, insurance premiums, taxes, and everyday necessities affect families far more directly than economic statistics and political talking points. These articles examine the real economic conditions facing American households, the growing cost of living, the financial challenges, and the gap between official narratives and the everyday reality American families face.


  • FAQ – Table of Contents by Topic

    OK, so a few days a go I posted a table of contents for FAQs that was organized by date with each question for that date. This table of contents is now arranged by topic.…

  • FAQ – Table of Contents by Date

    OK, OK…I hear you! This post is purely an organizational piece. It is to help in using the FAQ posts on the website. I’ve listed each question for each FAQ post. This might help you…

  • FAQ – 7/5/2019

    I hear almost everyone but you talking about how well the economy is doing. Why? Because I have a different opinion of the economy than most other people. First off, I don’t look at it…

  • SitRep – 6/16/2019

    Introduction – It has been a very long time since I did any new original articles and even longer since a SitRep has appeared on the site. But, that changes today! Why? Because a SitRep…

  • SitRep – 3/12/2019

    Dang it!  I was really not wanting to do any SitReps any more…at least not many. But, this is one of those times I feel I should. First off…I love life and many of the…

  • FAQ – 2/9/2019

    Is the economy terrible or is there anything good about it? If there ever was a dichotomy, the economy is it…or is it? Some parts of the economy are doing very well, and continue to…

  • FAQ – 2/7/2019

    Why are you such a Trump Hater? Well, well, well…here we go. Your premise is wrong…I am not a Trump hater. First off, I don’t know the “man” all I know are his actions and…

  • the Good, the Bad, and I’m ugly…

    Talk about an interesting 3 weeks…wow! A lot going on and time for me to share a few thoughts. I hope you liked the title of the post…I will change it to a “SitRep” in…

  • SitRep – 3/16/2017

    We are sinking! We are sinking further in debt. We are sinking further into political chaos. We are sinking closer to civil war. We are watching a coup take place to over throw the President…

  • FAQ – 5/29/2017

    Given the extreme instability of the economy, (” I am serious when I say we could wake up on any given morning and find ourselves at war externally or internally. Either event will immediately tank…

  • FAQ – 4/24/2016

    What will be the number one barter item when the grid goes down? Whatever the other person wants! Yeah, a lame answer to be sure, but it is 100% accurate. To a man who has…

  • FAQ – 4/16/2016

    What is your favorite gun parts manufacturer? Strictly for parts I love Spikes. For uppers I really like Bravo Company. For optics I don’t think you can get better than Trijicon and Aimpoint generally speaking.…

  • FAQ – 3/7/2016

    Why are you so into prepping? It started back in the late 1970’s when there was a “back to mother-earth” movement taking place in the US. It made sense to me to garden, heat with…