And today’s homes are much bigger and twice as likely to have central air, dishwashers, garbage disposals, etc. Today, Americans actually spend a smaller percentage of our money on food, clothing and housing than we used to, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics survey data. “We have a lot more things and we don’t have to work as hard to get them,” says Michel. “People did not just go on vacation,” says Michel, “did not fly all across the country.”But the popular narrative circulates. “Roughly half of the labor force didn’t even finish high school.”Finally, yes, it’s true — a family could own a car.