If you’re feeling squeezed nowadays, you’re not alone. In fact, most of Washington State is feeling it, and for good reason. Lots of them, actually. Sure, there are bright spots around the economy, but there are a lot of things pinching people right now.
Here are Five Fast Facts on the Washington State squeeze:
- 🎈 Inflation - Despite what the talking heads say about inflation “coming down” it’s still brutal, and that’s certainly true here. Washington State has 3.4% inflation, and Seattle is the fifth most “inflated” city in the country. Ouch.
- 🍕 Food - Food is not optional. Unfortunately, it’s also super expensive! In Washington, food prices are well above the national average, and have seen increased prices every year since 2020: 3.6% (2020), 4.6% (2021), 12% (2022), and 3.1% (2023). If only those increases could have been our Paychecks, right?
- 🏠 Housing - If you’ve shopped for homes lately, you’ve seen the sticker shock up close - Washington is the 4th highest state in the country when it comes to median home price, at over $600k. And that doesn’t even get you a mansion!
- 💼 Unemployment - The national average unemployment rate is 4%, but we’ve got 4.9%. It’s the third worst state in the country. This is not the bronze we’re looking for.
- 💡 Any Ideas? - The Washington Secretary of State has put out a notice that they’re accepting ideas on how to save the state money or increase productivity. Suggestions that are adopted and effective could be rewarded with up to $10,000 for the person submitting them. Surely this is a signal that they’re trying to involve the citizens rather than an act of sheer desperation, right?
🔥Bottom line: Times are tough for everyone! There are a lot of things squeezing us, particularly here in Washington State. We just have to find ways to make it work, take care of each other, and get by as best we can. Oh, and maybe think twice about who we elect, since they’re the ones who enact policies that affect all this stuff. Good thing there’s an election coming up soon…
What’s squeezing you the hardest?
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