Who can afford to get ahead in America?

This article is part of “Unaffordable America,” a series examining rising economic inequality in the U.S. and the policies that drive it.

The wealth gap in the U.S. is at a modern-day high.

The richest households have been rapidly multiplying their wealth over the past year. They’re buying real estate and plowing money into the stock market, including high-risk, high-reward investments. The returns have them sitting comfortably, as new tax benefits help protect their gains.

People with a tighter budget, on the other hand, have been struggling to get ahead. Prices for grocery store staples are going up, job opportunities are decreasing and once-stable careers, like those in manufacturing, are shrinking. The idea of doing better than your parents, for many, feels increasingly out of reach.

Here’s a picture of what’s going on:

The rich are getting richer … and others can’t keep up

“Stock market up so retirement funds are doing well. No struggle.”

Lori, Texas

“Food and rent have increased. The cost to do anything has increased. The necessities are a struggle. Nothing going well.”

Melinda, Virginia

How is the 1% growing its wealth? By investing heavily in the stock market

One reason many people feel squeezed: A dollar doesn’t go as far as it used to

“I went through all the savings I had when I wasn’t working, and what I’m doing now, it just really doesn’t leave us much room to save. We can’t really take our son out to go to the movies or family trips.”

– Jessica Miranda, a high school nurse who lives in El Paso, Texas

Costs are rising everywhere, from the grocery store…

“I’m paying $250 in groceries that used to cost $130-$150. I had to use my credit card to pay for Christmas for my kids.”

Amy, Pennsylvania

…to the housing market…

“I was laid off and it’s been impossible to land a job. Had to move in with parents for a bit because there was no way I could afford living alone.”

Edoardo, Florida

…to electric bills

“Spending significantly more in everything from groceries to electricity & water (local data center), medication, clothing and interest on credit cards is killing me.”

Carrie, Indiana

Gary Keffer, a freelancer in Nashville, Tennessee, who was laid off as a VP of strategic marketing

Unemployment is on the rise, too…

…while job openings nationwide are falling…

…and hiring is strong in health care, but not everywhere else

Elizabeth Ostendorp, a teacher in Morristown, New Jersey

All of that adds up to concern about the economy

This story originally appeared on NBC News. See the full story with additional assets here.

Art direction: Leila Register, Chelsea Stahl and Zara Katz
Data and graphics: Joe Murphy, Jiachuan Wu and Melinda Yao
Development: Jiachuan Wu
Illustration: Ben Denzer
Photography: Hannah Yoon
Source photographs: Matt Gwin
Contributor: Anahita Pardiwalla

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