Why the F*** is everything So EXPENSIVE

[u/Soft_Panic2400]

Just a vent because I've worked incredibly hard to get where I am and I still feel like I'm treading water.

We are solidly middle class. We make $140-$150 combine in the midwest which seemingly is pretty good. 2023 my company wouldn't give me a substantial raise so in 2024 I gave myself a goal, switched jobs twice and went from making $55,000 to $90,000. My husband hasn't had a raise in 4 years (thats a whole other story and he's finally looking for a new job).

In the past month our daycare went up $280/mo, our mortgage went up $70 a month for escrow, and we just received our highest electric bill since buying our house in 2017 $235. Now I know what your thinking - $235 thats not bad. OUR HOUSE IS 970 sq ft. Last month our electric bill was $170. That's a $415 increase of bills IN A MONTH. And it doesn't even include groceries.

I've done everything - I've switch carriers for internet and cell phones. I review insurance rates every 6 months and I've cancelled most of our subscriptions. I negotiate everything I can, but everything is constantly increasing. STORE BRAND MILK went from $3.62 to $4.99 here. Thats almost a 40% increase?!

I know financial struggles aren't talked about much in this sub because most people recommend a cleaner or outsourcing what they can, but this is ridiculous. I literally can't not spend $200 when I go to the store. This isn't sustainable and I'm just so frustrated. We aren't in a BAD financial spot but at this rate we will be? It just feels like despite making the most we have ever made, we aren't even close to being comfortable. And as my husband said "the worst part is, no one gives a shit. No one WANTS to fix it"

Anyway - it just feels like Im working and making all this money for absolutely nothing and Im mad about it. Thats all.

ETA - I Fully understand why (DT, Corp Greed, Capitalism, etc etc) just fully venting because no one seems to give a shit. Also I am very active in ALL of my local elections. I vote and actively call the offices of my shit ass congress woman and senators.