Why $100k is the New Broke in 2026

The American Middle Class is reaching a breaking point. In this episode of Soho Padcast, we analyze why the cost of living in 2026 has created a "structural mismatch" that leaves even high-earning professionals feeling financially precarious. We move beyond the surface-level talk of inflation to look at the real data: essential services like healthcare and education are rising significantly faster than private-sector pay. Why are professionals and families struggling to afford basic necessities like food and housing despite working harder than ever? In this video, we cover: The Wage Gap: Why industrial policy and trade shifts have eroded your earning power. The New Reality: Why a majority of Americans are now living paycheck-to-paycheck. The Path Forward: Can renewed manufacturing and consumer-focused retail strategies save the economy? If you feel like you’re running in place despite a good salary, this video explains the "why" behind the struggle. 🔔 Subscribe to Soho Podcast for honest takes on Finance, Real Estate, and the survival of the American Dream