WIY: Perhaps we aren’t worse off financially in actual dollars and cents, but if you compare the current standards coupled with the high cost of living (especially in NY) times are very difficult indeed. What makes it hard to compare is that debt is much higher today than it used to be. People (and government) spend what they don’t have so it appears that we have plenty, but it takes an emotional toll, which is more insidious. Mosdos also have to supply more, utility and labor costs constantly rise, so it’s a constant struggle to remain afloat for them as well.
Also, I’d like to heart your opinion in 10-15 years from now when you’ll hopefully have a growing family to support.