Social Security was designed as a mostly “pay-as-you-go” system
In the 1980s onward, Social Security was a "pay as you go" system, about 90% funded by then current workers, who also funded the "trust fund".
Generations: Gen Z spends hundreds per month on “treats”
Many lack understanding of money or personal finance. Wealth is created by earning, saving and investing - not by spending.
Economy: How efficiency reduced railroad crew sizes
As automation and improved systems were deployed, railroad crews went from about 12-16 per train in the 1950s, to just 1 or 2 crew members in 2025.
Demographics, Education: Johns Hopkins University lowers tuition to free
Another major university to offer free tuition as the demographic collapse takes hold.
Pensions versus self-funded retirement
In the 1980s, 70% of retirees had a pension. Today it is less than 20%. In the '70s, Congress created IRA and 401(k) accounts to encourage self funded retirement savings.
Health: Why we no longer see kids in arm and ankle casts?
In the 1960s and '70s, it was common to see kids healing with a broken arm or ankle. But this is not common today.
Demographics, GenZ: Someone gets it! Generation labels are arbitrary and stupid
Someone of notoriety points out that generation labels are arbitrary, pointless and useless.
Media: Travel writing has become self-centered narcissism, say experts
Travel writing has devolved into self-centered narcissism, where stories are about the writer, and not the destination.
Average number of vehicles per household 1970 vs 2025
We went from 1.16 vehicles per household in 1970 to 1.88 in 2025. The % with 1 vehicle went down, and the % with 2 or more went up.
Families with Children Under 18
In spite of a 40% larger population today, the number of families with children is back to early 1990 levels.