Recent data paints a stark picture of American household finances. The dollar's purchasing power has eroded roughly 20% following a 21% cumulative CPI surge over the past few years. Meanwhile, real wages tell an even grimmer story—the typical worker's paycheck buys about $3,000 less in goods and services annually compared to pre-inflation levels.

This wealth erosion isn't abstract economic theory. It's hitting grocery bills, rent payments, and savings accounts. For those tracking macro trends, these numbers explain why alternative stores of value keep entering mainstream conversations. When fiat loses a fifth of its buying power in just a few years, people start asking harder questions about where to park their money.