For me the "good old days" are now. I'm making more than I ever have and I've moved to an area that has a much lower cost of living than Sodom on the Willamette.
I can remember when CCI Mini-Mags were $0.03 each or even a bit cheaper. However I was earning a quarter of what I am now. Mini-Mags are a bit over $0.06 each now, but much more affordable.
Yep,,, I too can remember when things were a lot less expensive, but then again, I was making a fraction of what I make now,,,
It's all relative,,,
Heck, my Grandfather unloaded coal from railroad cars (by hand) back during the Depression. Made 50 cents a day,,, A pair of shoes was $2.50.
Not very many of us here today would work that hard for a full week just to buy a pair of shoes,,,,
Count your blessings,,,,,,,,