How Americans View Their Lives

When asked, many Americans say they are doing well financially. But further details begin to raise doubts. A majority are concerned that they cannot meet the costs of a typical life. It is not the availability of jobs they are so much worried about as the ability to afford what they believe they need. In this annual analysis of public opinion surveys, which Challenge publishes at this time every year, the authors assess the policy implications of how Americans think and feel today.