Presidential candidates are already battling over the economy, promising to bring back the boom times or realize the prosperity that lies ahead, if only we vote for them.” Presidential candidates are already battling over the economy, promising to bring back the boom times or realize the prosperity that lies ahead, if only we vote for them.
But are you better off now than you were four, eight, 30 years ago?But are you better off now than you were four, eight, 30 years ago?
We wanted to see how good the past really was, and how today measures up. So we pulled some important data for the past three decades to put current conditions in context. Tell us what your dream economy would look like, and we’ll tell you how your vision tracks with the real world — and what other readers thought, too.
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Question 1 of 7
How much would prices go up or down in your dream economy?

-2%
Lowest in 30 years
8.5%
Highest in 30 years
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Question 2 of 7
How about wages?

1.4%
Lowest in 30 years
5.1%
Highest in 30 years
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Question 3 of 7
How would gas prices change in your dream economy?

-27%
Lowest in 30 years
37%
Highest in 30 years
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Question 4 of 7
How many Americans would have $400 socked away for an emergency?

50%
Lowest in 10 years
68%
Highest in 10 years
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Question 5 of 7
What’s your dream mortgage rate?

2.7%
Lowest in 30 years
9.3%
Highest in 30 years
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Question 6 of 7
How would stocks fare?

-37%
Lowest in 30 years
37%
Highest in 30 years
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Final question
How fast would your dream economy grow?

-2.6%
Lowest in 30 years
5.8%
Highest in 30 years











