Why $100,000 Doesn't Feel Like Enough Money Anymore

You still make $100,000. Why does it feel small? Census 1995: median household income was $34,076. Census 2024: $83,730. The top 5% now starts at $335,700. BLS: $100,000 in 1995 buys about $220,000 today. NAR: the median existing home was $110,500 in 1995 and $434,900 in Q2 2026. Freddie Mac: the 1995 30-year average was 7.93% — the rate is not why the house ate the check. KFF 2025: family premium $26,993. College Board: public four-year in-state tuition $2,811 then, $11,950 now. Comment THEN if $100k felt big in your house. Comment NOW if it feels tight. Not financial advice. Educational and entertainment only. Sources U.S. Census Bureau — Money Income in the United States: 1995 (P60-193) U.S. Census Bureau — Income in the United States: 2024 (P60-286) BLS — CPI Inflation Calculator National Association of Realtors — Q2 2026 metro home prices (4 Aug 2026) Freddie Mac — Primary Mortgage Market Survey, 1995 annual average AHRQ — MEPS-IC family premium 1996 KFF — 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey College Board — Trends in College Pricing (1995-96 and 2025-26) Music Background: ambient bed from Mixkit catalog ("Atoms In Peace", royalty-free).