Author name: Augusta Oakey

In the United States, often hailed as the richest nation on Earth, a paradox is playing out in everyday life. The country’s economy is enormous by traditional measures, yet countless American families struggle to afford basic necessities. Meanwhile, on the global stage, the U.S. is facing a surprising rival for economic supremacy in an unexpected metric: purchasing power parity (PPP). This measure of “real” buying power reveals that America’s wealth advantage isn’t as clear-cut as many think.… Read more

In the wealthiest country on Earth, millions of people still struggle to afford basic necessities. Homeless encampments sit in the shadows of luxury high-rises in cities like Los Angeles and New York. Food bank lines stretch around the block in many American towns. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, a nation that once had one of the largest impoverished populations has lifted hundreds of millions out of destitution within a few decades.… Read more

In the United States, an income of around $12,000 to $15,000 per year, roughly the federal poverty line for a single adult, signifies hardship. It’s an income level associated with struggle: choosing between rent and groceries, skipping medical care, and relying on food banks or government aid. As of 2022, about 37.9 million Americans (11.5% of the population) lived below the official poverty line. For a family of four, this threshold was about $26,500 in recent years, while for an individual it hovered in the mid-teens (thousands of dollars).… Read more

Picture this: you get a routine medical procedure in the United States – say a minor surgery or an overnight hospital stay. A few weeks later, a bill arrives and your jaw drops. The hospital’s invoice lists a dizzying $20,000 for the procedure, an eye-watering sticker price that could wipe out your savings. Fortunately, you have health insurance, and after some mysterious “adjustments,” your insurer only pays about $5,000. You’re relieved, but also perplexed.… Read more

On paper, the United States is one of the richest countries in the world. The nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is hovering around $85,000 as of 2025. In theory, that means every man, woman, and child in America could claim $85k worth of the country’s annual economic output. It’s an eye-popping figure that suggests a nation awash in wealth. So why do so many Americans feel like they’re barely scraping by?… Read more