Voters are increasingly worried about the affordability of essential aspects of life, including education, housing, and health care, according to a recent New York Times/Siena poll. The survey, conducted from January 12 to 17, shows that 58% of respondents view education as unaffordable, with similar sentiments for housing (54%) and health care (47%). A significant 66% believe that a middle-class lifestyle is now beyond reach for most Americans. Nearly three-quarters (77%) feel it has become harder to achieve this lifestyle compared to a generation ago. Despite a booming stock market, the poll reflects a deep-seated financial anxiety among most voters, especially those under 65. Many express a lack of confidence in their ability to pay for basic needs like housing and retirement. While 31% say the economy has improved over the past year, 70% still rate it as fair or poor. A sizable portion of voters—nearly 60%—worry about affording everyday expenses, and 11% say they cannot manage even basic costs. The findings have significant implications for the midterm elections, positioning affordability as a key issue. A majority of voters blame President Trump for rising costs, while opinions are divided on responsibility between him and former President Biden. Prominent Democratic candidates have capitalized on these sentiments, framing their campaigns around economic affordability. However, the survey indicates that Republicans are not entirely losing ground on this issue, with independent voters also split on blame. The poll highlights a growing disconnect between economic indicators and the lived experiences of many Americans.