The Toaster Index

In our household we talk about "The Toaster Index", as a yardstick of how our economy is doing.
This basically means what type of toaster we can afford at any given time.
Last time we bought one, we were living in my parents basement on one income and a newly started company.
Needless to say the toaster was a major purchase and the only slightly frivolous spending for months.
That otherwise very sturdy toaster finally croaked this week after 8 years and had to be replaced.
We are certainly not in 300 dollar "Dualit", territory but our new toaster has got a cool blue digital display and a Bagel setting.
I guess things have looked up since last time.