i'VE BEEN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF I AM BETTER OFF TODAY THAN I WAS 4 YEARS AGO.

NO!!

 I am paying much more for gas, my property had dropped over 40% in value, not offset by the small saving in taxes, and the price of groceries is up until I am fondly looking at some of the tasty dog foods now available.  Vacations are non existant.

I think God is testing us for the manna-burger diet.