Of course, everyone always thinks they are having more problems than their neighbor. That's human nature. However by and large, the tough-times talk is correct.
Inflation is as low as it has been in years.
The government last week said U.S. consumer prices rose just 0.3 percent in August. The Consumer Price Index's core rate grew just 0.1 percent in August and 1.9 percent for the 12 months ending in August. Overall, it's expected that wages will grow by about 4 percent this year. So, companies find themselves in a bind. Competition is holding down prices, yet wages are up.