Discerning ‘need’ in affordability

As Baby Boomers who grew up in lower-income families only a generation or two removed from our immigrant grandparents, my husband and I have a unique perspective on the current "affordability crisis."

When we started out in 1970, our paychecks were stretched to the limit just to cover the absolute essentials: rent, food, utilities and basic transportation. There was simply no disposable income left for travel or "splurging."

Today, the narrative surrounding financial hardship seems to have shifted. While many young families cite the rising price of food as a primary crisis, there is often a lack of discussion regarding the significant resources allocated to non-essential lifestyle choices. We see substantial spending on aesthetic treatments, manicures and pedicures, tattoos and piercings, luxury brand accessories, high-end electronics and the latest phones. Children are not only enrolled in sports, but also expensive "travel" youth sports. Furthermore, destination vacations and cruises are now viewed as mandatory rather than a rare luxury.

While we understand the economic pressures of the modern world, it is exhausting to hear complaints about the cost of basic necessities from those prioritizing high-end consumer goods and discretionary experiences. True affordability begins with a return to distinguishing between essential needs and elective wants.

Francine and James Long

Glen Ellyn