Inflation

[Gary S]

It's no secret that prices are going up fast. I'd like to know how you guys feel it is affecting you. Food and fuel seem to be the two biggest things that affect us every day. For me, the increase in food prices hits me the hardest. I can cut back on driving and that cuts back on gas costs, but cutting back on food isn't as easy. Yes, energy prices for heating and electricity are up too, and again that is difficult to cut back on. I did some serious energy saving changes to my house 20 years ago, so that helps, but I can't do much more.

Any of us "old" folks saw this same thing 40 years ago and we managed to get through it so I don't see any problem getting through it again this round. The economy has its ups and downs, and if you are lucky enough to live long enough, you get to see it multiple times.

So, I just try to cut out the unnecessary things and buy my food wisely. I won't starve to death, but I might complain about prices. As long as I have meat, potatoes, and ice cream, I'm OK.

I'm not buying much in the car parts category so the increases in that area aren't affecting me.

 

[Da-bigguy]

The biggest thing I've noticed is the gas prices, which are now starting to come down around here but still quite a bit higher than I'm used to!

 

[brooksman9]

Don't eat out as much and when we do may not order what I would have before. Gas is not as big a deal for me since I live so close to work. Still sux at 4 bux a gallon.

 

[mallard]

No question it hurts as Mrs Mallard and I are both now on pensions but this isn't unparalleled in history. Much of this is Covid recovery not much unlike WW2 recovery. Supply shortages due to many suppliers unable/unwilling to keep up with demand. Much is business opportunism as well "everyone else is raising prices, we may as well too to see if we can also get away with it."

As Gary says, we survived this before and we'll survive this as well.

 

[Twisted_Metal]

Funny you should mention meat in your post...
I was just googling recipes for squirrel stew.



I had my annual performance review yesterday.
The 3% raise I got doesn't do much to help close the gap on inflation.
Retirement investments have taken a huge hit too.

 

[tom3]

I remember back then, 16% interest rates. Took all the money we had and put in a couple CDs in the boy's names. Pretty much doubled the amount and no taxes. I suspect we'll be close to that % in the near future? Wish I had some money to invest.....

 

[mrfleet12]

We started working from home during covid with no plans to go back to the office ever, this helps on gas cost for me, the other half still drives to work each day. I'm more concerned for my kids who are trying to raise kids at this time, very challenging.
I won't go down the political path, but there seems to be a lot of unnecessary spending taking place which isn't helping and tax increase talks are just insane to think of now.
People not wanting to work or making other decisions with their careers is a challenge that contributes to the cost of product.
I've been in procurement for a number of years, this is the worst I've seen for availability, cost increases etc.
We'll get through.

 

[ZZ430]

The food prices have really been crazy lately. Everything has gone up at least 25%. My coffee has gone up $4! lol

I do very little driving anyway.

I'm 74 years old and on a fixed income. I get a veteran's pension and Social Security retirement. Looking forward to a big cost of living adjustment the 1st of the year. With inflation near 10% I will get a nice raise. My wife doesn't work.

 

[ULTM8Z]

So, I just try to cut out the unnecessary things and buy my food wisely. I won't starve to death, but I might complain about prices. As long as I have meat, potatoes, and ice cream, I'm OK.

I'm pretty much of the same mindset and very thankful to have my job which still pays the bills and allows us to enjoy life for the most part.

Who I feel bad for are the folks who are barely scraping by, who literally have to decide between gas and food.

 

[danbrennan]

I've been working from home since March 2020, so I'm not using much gasoline. Food prices are way up, yes. I eat a fair amount of red meat, so I've noticed that.

I'm not looking forward to the property tax increase next year, I suspect it will be max allowed under Michigan law(5% I think).