In general, do you consider yourself better off, worse off, or about the same compared to before the pandemic?

👍 Better off (25%) – "I was able to submit for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and had the total remaining balance of my students loans forgiven. It was a huge weight off my shoulders and not having to make payments during the pandemic helped me achieve other financial goals!"

• "Both my partner and I are earning more than we did 3 years ago, and we’ve managed to buy a house that we love. Both our jobs are more stable than 3 years ago, and we both feel more fulfilled in our work than we did then."

👎 Worse off (41%) – "My income is about the same as before the pandemic, but the cost of everything has risen significantly , such that I can't afford anything but necessities."

• "Groceries, gas, electricity, clothing, and other basic necessities have become much more expensive, as have the "extras" we used to do pre-pandemic like mini-vacations, event tickets, going out to eat at restaurants. My dollar doesn't go near as far as it used to."

"My job wages have remained stagnant, yearly increases, but small ones, yet everything costs more. Groceries are still high, even though they've eased some. Pretty much everything I spend money on is significantly higher than they were prior to the pandemic. And my portfolio, despite regular contributions, is still less than it was at that time."

• "Every month I look at all my expenses and I'm still in the red. Cost of medical, toiletry and groceries are still expensive for my household of 4. I received a pay raise, but after taxes I may only bring in additional $100 a pay period. I continue to drive my car that is paid off and keep up with maintenance as I cannot afford a new/new-used car. We're still struggling regardless of what we try and cut back on as something else seems to take its place in regards to expense."

🤷 About the same (34%) – "Although my situation has improved, the rising costs of just about everything makes it feel like I'm running on a treadmill instead of making progress."

• "I am retired and continue to live frugally, be!ow my means as I have done all my working life. As a result, the higher cost of day to day life has not had the same effect as someone living pay check to pay check."

"I’ve had savings to rely on through this inflationary period. Recovering those spent dollars will be tough in the short term but it seems like the outflow has subsided."