A Reddit post in the r/inflation subreddit gained traction after a user laid out how quickly their cost of living has spiked—and how little their income has risen to match it. The post, titled “This is Bullcrap,” hit a nerve with thousands of users who said they were feeling the exact same pain.
“Just got a notification from Ameren. My electricity bill is going up 25% next month,” the person wrote. “Two months ago, my rent increased 15%. A month ago, I got a 1.97% raise. This is unsustainable.”
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A Chorus of Struggle
The post quickly got up over 3,400 upvotes and hundreds of comments, with people reflecting the sentiment and adding their own stories of financial strain.
“My rent went from $1,899 to $2,995 in two years. I agree this sh*t sucks,” one user wrote. Another added, “I make a very good salary but I am feeling more tight than ever and it is because everything is going up, including a massive increase in my property taxes. It is clear to me that this is unsustainable. I feel for those working paycheck to paycheck because I am not, and this is still brutal for me.”
Insurance hikes, property tax increases, utility surges, and shrinking purchasing power were recurring themes. One person said their storage unit price had jumped 120% in just 18 months. Another shared that their homeowner’s insurance went up 25% this year and will increase again by at least 9.6% next year.
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Blame and Frustration Everywhere
Much of the discussion shifted toward who or what is responsible. Critics of President Donald Trump blamed his economic policies, including tariffs. Others pointed out that both parties have failed to protect the middle and working class.
“This is the Trump economy. Good Luck,” one commenter said. Multiple others called it the “Trump Slump.” Some were more cynical: “Trump will fix it. Any day now.”
There was also backlash against corporations. Multiple commenters accused large companies of price gouging, saying they raise prices simply to protect shareholder profits. “Pay nothing, charge more and more and more. Eventually, pop,” one person warned.
A System That ‘Isn’t Meant to Be Sustainable’
One comment summed up what many were feeling: “It’s not meant to be sustainable. You will either be rich or poor in this administration.”
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Some users referenced historic inequality and said this moment feels like the U.S. is headed toward the kind of economic polarization seen in developing countries. “Welcome to Latin American economics,” one non-U.S. commenter wrote. “Glad to see you guys finally understand what the oligarchs actually do to a country.”
What Now?
A few commenters floated solutions, such as moving off-grid, switching electric providers frequently, or even leaving the U.S. altogether. But most expressed exhaustion and hopelessness.
“I have four kids to care for on my own and it is financial hell,” one person wrote. “Groceries are $600 or so per week. Water bill: $450–500 per month. Electricity: $300–350. Mortgage: $2,500 and rising. It is NOT sustainable.”
Whether it’s Trump, tariffs, corporations, or the system itself, the message is that the pressure is mounting, and people are struggling to keep up.
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