Building a Real Basic Needs Budget

💡Concerned today’s economy is leaving households behind? Get a free portfolio review with Wealthion’s endorsed financial advisors: https://bit.ly/4aK8GW9 Michael Green’s Substack article “My Life Is a Lie” has gone viral for challenging how the federal government defines the poverty line and why that definition no longer reflects reality in 2025. In this conversation, Michael Green, portfolio manager and chief strategist at Simplify Asset Management, explains why the official poverty line is decades out of date, how benefit cliffs and rising price levels trap households above the poverty threshold, and why families making up to $140,000 can still feel like they’re in a financially precarious position. He breaks down: * Why lower inflation doesn’t mean lower living costs * How CPI and poverty line calculations miss real household cash flow * Why growth in AI and data centers isn’t reaching most people * And why millions feel “already underwater” despite positive economic data If you’ve seen debates about the modern poverty line, the $140K poverty threshold, or Michael Green’s viral Substack, this interview provides the full economic context behind the headlines. This is part 1 of a part 2 interview with Michael Green — stay tuned for part 2! 💡Still feel “underwater” even as inflation cools? Protect your purchasing power with physical gold & silver through Hard Assets Alliance: https://www.hardassetsalliance.com/?aff=WTH Chapters: 00:56 - Why the Official Poverty Line No Longer Reflects Reality 5:14 - Inflation Is Falling. But Why Are Households Still Drowning Financially? 8:46 - ⭐ Wealthion Golden Nugget: How the Exorbitant Cost of Childcare Has Become a Structural Barrier 15:04 - How the Cost of Housing Compounds Financial Strain on Households 16:33 - Why CPI Doesn't Adequately Reflect Financial Conditions for Households 19:27 - The Bifurcation of the US Economy: Growth, AI Spend, & Inequality Connect with us online: Website: https://www.wealthion.com X: https://www.x.com/wealthion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wealthionofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wealthion/ ________________________________________________________________________ IMPORTANT NOTE: The information, opinions, and insights expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of Wealthion. They are intended to provide a diverse perspective on the economy, investing, and other relevant topics to enrich your understanding of these complex fields. While we value and appreciate the insights shared by our esteemed guests, they are to be viewed as personal opinions and not as investment advice or recommendations from Wealthion. These opinions should not replace your own due diligence or the advice of a professional financial advisor. We strongly encourage all of our audience members to seek out the guidance of a financial advisor who can provide advice based on your individual circumstances and financial goals. Wealthion has a distinguished network of advisors who are available to guide you on your financial journey. However, should you choose to seek guidance elsewhere, we respect and support your decision to do so. The world of finance and investment is intricate and diverse. It's our mission at Wealthion to provide you with a variety of insights and perspectives to help you navigate it more effectively. We thank you for your understanding and your trust. #Wealthion #Wealth #Finance #Investing #MichaelGreen #MyLifeIsALie #PovertyLine #MichaelGreenEconomist #MichaelGreenSubstack #PovertyLine2025 #140KPovertyLine #CostOfLiving #Inflation #EconomicReality #MiddleClass #CostOfLivingCrisis #PersonalFinance #EconomicsExplained #MacroEconomics

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