Median US Paycheck Shrinks to $850 After Taxes and Deductions

The piece explains that while the median full-time worker earned about $1,235 per week in early 2026, take-home pay after federal and state taxes, health premiums, and retirement contributions falls to roughly $850 weekly. Real wages declined as inflation (CPI up 4.25%) outpaced nominal raises, eroding purchasing power. Disposable income per person rose to about $68,359 in Q1 2026, but average spending outpaced income, pushing the savings rate down to 3.7% as households deplete savings to cover higher costs. There are large geographic gaps in disposable income and cost of living, with some states enjoying higher real purchasing power than others. The piece also highlights a study showing one simple habit can double retirement savings.