Junior nursing major Brianna Behling is neither better off than she was four years ago nor excited about her options in the upcoming election.

“I would say no, I am not better off,” said Behling. “I am having a harder time since I am living on my own and have to buy my own groceries and other supplies… But, I don’t make enough money to be completely financially independent.”

According to the U.S. Inflation Calculator, annual inflation rose from 0.3% in April 2020 to 3.2% in February, reflecting nearly a 20% increase in consumer prices. 

“I feel that the prices of a lot of things keep going up, making it very difficult to afford basic needs such as food, toiletries or gas,” said Behling. “As a college student, it’s difficult to afford these things either way, but it’s almost impossible to go grocery shopping sometimes considering the prices of everything versus the money I make.

“I know a lot of other people with this problem as well, and there are times we don’t eat,” she said. “Or I have to try to reach out to my family for help with groceries or ask them to buy me things like paper towels, toilet paper and soap.”

Her financial situation, combined with the fact that this year’s election is shaping up as a rerun of the 2020 contest – President Joseph Biden facing former President Donald Trump – has turned Behling off on politics.

“Honestly, I don’t plan on voting,” she said “My mom always told me that … it’s important to vote since my right to vote was fought for… but I don’t think that there’s anyone that I truly stand for and I also don’t think I’m educated enough on the topic to make that decision.

“From what I do know, I don’t agree with most of the decisions either party will make,.” said Behling. “I think something that needs to change in this country is pricing. It’s difficult for someone making below minimum wage and going to school to even get by. …It shouldn’t be hard just to buy food or toilet paper if we are living in the best country in the world.”