Why it feels like you can't keep up
Why it feels like you can't keep up  
Podcast: Marketplace All-in-One
Published On: Tue Aug 18 2026
Description: The average worker in the U.S. who stayed in their job between 2021 and 2024 saw their wages decline by 9% after inflation, a new paper finds. While the gap between wage growth and inflation is smaller now, that doesn’t undo the bad news of a few years ago. And this decline in real wages may be at the root of poor consumer sentiment. Plus, some Vermont businesses are offering steep discounts to lure back Canadian tourists.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace Morning Report is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.Stories covered in this episode:U.S. businesses offer deals to lure back Canadian touristsReal wage losses are at the root of low consumer sentiment, new paper finds