The biggest illusion inflation ever pulled was convincing people that a $120,000 salary is “doing well.”

Not long ago, earning six figures meant you’d crossed into financial security.
You could afford a home, take vacations without stress, grow your investments, and still have money left over.
Today, in many major U.S. cities, $120K often feels like survival mode after housing, taxes, insurance, childcare, and everyday expenses take their cut.
The goalposts didn’t just move.
They sprinted away.
Quote this with your city if earning six figures still leaves you wondering where your paycheck disappeared.