The article discusses the paradox of modern consumerism where items like televisions have become significantly cheaper, contrasting with the escalating costs of essential needs like healthcare, housing, and education. While many aspects of the American dream are becoming unaffordable, cheap consumer goods still provide a sense of comfort and accessibility. However, this trend faces challenges due to inflation and tariffs that threaten to increase prices on even these lower-cost items. The article emphasizes the evolving landscape of consumer expectations and the risks that threaten the last affordable pleasures for American families.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently declared that "access to cheap goods is not the essence of the American dream." Unfortunately, it's the whole shebang, or at least what it's become.
A 65-inch LCD television that probably would have cost $1,500 or $2,000, a decade ago is now under $500. And in a world where everything's so expensive - cars, houses, eggs - there's some comfort in knowing you can still indulge in your guilty pleasure show.
Navigating the housing market is panic-attack-inducing, whether you're trying to buy or rent. What's still accessible is the cheap stuff. The cost of consumer goods such as toys, clothes, and electronics has gone down.
Inflation has made the cost of once accessible stuff a little hard to stomach. And tariffs threaten to blot out the last of what's affordable.
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