Part 2/11:
The conversation begins with an acknowledgment of how inflation has reshaped the value of money. What $100,000 used to afford five years ago now is barely enough to cover basic expenses. The speaker emphasizes this point, noting that the dollar's diminished value means that, despite earning a six-figure salary, many still struggle to make ends meet. This economic shift has made it increasingly difficult for middle- and upper-middle-class Americans to attain financial stability.