Government unemployment statistics are misleading because they count anyone working even one hour a week as 'employed.' A more accurate measure reveals that nearly a quarter of American workers are functionally unemployed, meaning they work for poverty-level wages or can't find full-time work despite wanting it.

Aggregate economic data looks positive because the top 10% of households drive consumption. However, the bottom 90% are experiencing financial distress, which is reflected in negative consumer sentiment. The 'average' consumer experience doesn't exist, leading to a disconnect between official statistics and public perception.

Senator Warren highlights a critical omission in standard economic calculations: the cost of servicing debt. Expenses like credit card interest and student loan payments are often left out, meaning official data doesn't capture the full financial pressure American families are facing.

Technology in finance is a double-edged sword. While it can increase access, it can also be used to gamify trading, encourage impulse spending with 'buy-now-pay-later' schemes, and circumvent traditional consumer protection laws.

There are two distinct economies operating simultaneously. Those with a capital base (equities, real estate) can use financial engineering and leverage to thrive. Meanwhile, individuals relying solely on wages are being crushed by inflation, as their income fails to keep pace with rising costs.

Despite headline economic growth, the bottom 80% of U.S. households have seen their spending power stagnate since before the pandemic. Their spending has grown at exactly the rate of inflation, meaning their real consumption hasn't increased. This data explains the widespread public dissatisfaction with the economy.

The dramatic rise in BNPL usage across all demographics, including 41% of young shoppers, is a negative forward-looking indicator. While framed as innovation, it's a form of modern usury that reveals consumers cannot afford their purchases, creating a significant, under-discussed credit risk for the economy.

America's mental health crisis is largely driven by economic precarity. Systemic solutions like a higher minimum wage, affordable housing, and universal healthcare would be more effective at improving population well-being than an individualistic focus on therapy, which often treats symptoms rather than the root cause of financial stress.

While the overall debt service ratio appears low, this average is skewed by high-income households with minimal debt. Lower and middle-income families are facing significant financial pressure and rising delinquencies, a critical detail missed when only looking at macroeconomic aggregates.