[khelus]

For example; if someone asked you what percentage of your income do you spend on fueling your vehicle, assuming you had the numbers at hand, would you be able to come up with that fraction? Would you know what that fraction means to your standard of living?

You know what they say about the word assume?

I can't speak for everyone, however myself and associates, both personal and professional, keep budgets. Both the nominal amount and percentage of our income spent on necessities such as fuel for our cars, heat, a/c, good food, housing, and medical care has risen over the ~ past 30 years. Compared to ~ 30 yr ago, we all consciously drive less, use less heat and a/c than needed to be comfortable, feed fewer souls, have less money left over (if any) after purchasing necessities for saving. This is a decline in our standard of living.

For perspective my circle consists of high end blue collar, college educated professionals, techies, and small business owners.

[Balding_Eagle]

I first like to believe what posters post.

In this case, your lack of understanding of something as basic as fractions is cause to pause.