Bills, now and past

[ceagle]

Before our time, let's pick some income and outgo figures:

1950
Income averages 5k/yr

Expenses:
NaturalGas
Electric
WaterTrash
Gasoline/Transport
Telephone
MilkDelivery
NewspaperDelivery
TVs and Radios

2010
Income averages 50k/yr

Expenses:
NaturalGas
Electric
WaterTrash
Gasoline/Transport
CelPhone
CableTV/Satellite
Internet
Computers & VideoGames

Some are still there, other expenses have been replaced. There are obviously others too, but these may be the basics. It *feels* like we have more expenses than they did before our time... what're your thoughts?
Has income kept up, or are modern expenses taking a larger part of our income than they used to?

The census info says income has gone up, but spending power has remained the same for all but roughly the top 15% of the population. My income has not gone up in about 20 years. 1995 is when it peaked, so far at least. :/

Some interesting charts:
http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d12/tables/dt12_024.asp
http://www.advisorperspectives.com/dshort/updates/Household-Income-Distribution.php

Comments

[bunny-plush.livejournal.com]

Using an inflation calculator I find I make less per hour than my 'peak' in 1993: I was laid off from a decent enough paying job then, and it took close to 20 years to match the $/hr. And unlike many of my acquaintances I'm swimming in debt to maintain my outward 'standard of living.'

Good thing I'm not paying for newspapers and milk delivery now ;o)