Jessica Rett, a linguist at UCLA, delves into the term 'affordability,' highlighting its subjective nature compared to the broader term 'economy.' Kristen Schwab discusses recent retail sales trends, noting consumer fatigue ahead of the holidays. Abdullah Al-Burrani, an economist, emphasizes the rising costs of essentials like groceries and housing, contrasting them with stagnant incomes. Together, they tackle how personal experiences shape perceptions of affordability, making it a crucial yet elusive economic issue.