Anthony Pavelski and Jason Schulist were guests on Focus Fox Valley with Hayley Tenpas.
Listen to the interview here.
- The Fox Valley Data Exchange focuses on meaningful work and wealth as one of seven Vital Conditions for Wellbeing, defined as rewarding careers and a sustainable standard of living, spotlighted on Living Wage Action Day.
- Living wages vary widely by household (e.g., $26/hour for two working adults; up to $61/hour for single parent with three kids), far exceeding many jobs, especially childcare or entry‑level roles.
- ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) metrics show 14% to 66% of Tri‑County households struggling below thresholds, even above poverty lines, with housing costs (up 31% since 2018, rents up 20%) exacerbating the gap.
- Anthony Pavelski (30, HR professional) shared his story: $100K student debt, ACL surgeries, medical bills, credit card reliance, and returning home despite a “good” job, as the “American dream” of homeownership feels increasingly out of reach.
- Data at fvdex.org reveals local struggles (poverty rates, ALICE by zip/census tract); progress is nonlinear—prioritize resilience, community, non‑financial flourishing; living within means avoids debt spirals; donate/volunteer to support data access.
Leave a Reply