That would set you back $38 up here in The Commonwealth. Aldi's was recently blowing out those Wahlburgers for $7.99 a pack. Even though we have a side of beef in the deep freeze I added 11 packs. The brisket mix makes them rather enjoyable. RGDS!
@JohnnyCache said:
Well, prepare to be surprised.
The inflation is real out there.
The total cost, as is, was $73.10
After savings of $1.49, my cost was $71.61
That's crazy, you must be on the west coast? Because those prices are not what's reflected over here in the Commonweath. Your store-bought butter is 2x (god bless I have fresh Amish butter at -4x your prices). Your cream and pickles are 3x what is in our local stores and the Pilsbury stuff is 2x. As I mentioned there was a big Aldi blowout on the burgers. I have no idea what the normal price would be here, as Aldi doesn't normally carry them. I go to probably 10 different grocery stores in a week and I witness people paying $300 for a cart they could be getting for $60. That be 'Merica. Not so sure I'd call it inflation. RGDS!
I had the angus burgers figured pretty close. But missed big time on the rest! But then I'm in a small town in the Midwest. BUT... if one does not shop sales and Aldi's..,.. I imagine it would be easy to reach those prices shown. Ouch. Now.... what do you pay in restaurants?
@JohnnyCache said:
Well, prepare to be surprised.
The inflation is real out there.
The total cost, as is, was $73.10
After savings of $1.49, my cost was $71.61
That's crazy, you must be on the west coast? Because those prices are not what's reflected over here in the Commonweath. Your store-bought butter is 2x (god bless I have fresh Amish butter at -4x your prices). Your cream and pickles are 3x what is in our local stores and the Pilsbury stuff is 2x. As I mentioned there was a big Aldi blowout on the burgers. I have no idea what the normal price would be here, as Aldi doesn't normally carry them. I go to probably 10 different grocery stores in a week and I witness people paying $300 for a cart they could be getting for $60. That be 'Merica. Not so sure I'd call it inflation. RGDS!
Actually, east coast, and also a Commonwealth, though not the same one as you.
The prices here for food are staggering. We tend to shop at a different Market when doing a full grocery run, which is a couple of towns further away, but even at that the prices are still nuts.
My wife and I both have the cleanest / best possible driving records. We both qualify for discounts based on those records. We also get a discount for less than 10k annual mileage each. Further we get a discount for bundling all our car and house insurance needs with the same company. My wife's car is a 2006 with just under 80k miles and my car is a 2015 that just turned over 70k miles. The cars are garaged in a "safe town" so there is no undisclosed issues factoring into insurance company price logic. This year the insurance on those cars (18 and 9 years old respectively) went up $400. We now pay almost $2,900 to insure to old, plain vanilla - not high end, cars. This is also nuts.
We both actually like to cook, the prices at restaurants have gotten out of hand, but the real reason we have almost entirely stopped going out to eat is the quality of the food being served has dropped off a cliff post pandemic and not come back to anything near worth the new price points.
I'm a foodie, and I will pay for quality food, in a restaurant or to be prepared at home, but the restaurants all suck. The literal couple that don't would cost $400+ for a couple - no alcohol.
At that point I can source and prepare most, though not all, food items for myself that equals or exceeds what I can find in a restaurant and certainly so when factoring costs.
Been eating a lot of fish lately, trying to be more balanced than just all meat, which I'm a meat lover.
The cod loin is priced at $23.00/#, cod filets at $18/#.
I did eat out the other night though. My wife had gone away for a few days with some girlfriends and I had to pick her up at the airport so it just wasn't going to work out, time wise, to cook that night. Here's the slip from the place we went. Two burgers, one salad (we split it and it wasn't all that big), some onion rings and one soda + one tap water.
@JohnnyCache said:
Well, prepare to be surprised.
The inflation is real out there.
The total cost, as is, was $73.10
After savings of $1.49, my cost was $71.61
That's crazy, you must be on the west coast? Because those prices are not what's reflected over here in the Commonweath. Your store-bought butter is 2x (god bless I have fresh Amish butter at -4x your prices). Your cream and pickles are 3x what is in our local stores and the Pilsbury stuff is 2x. As I mentioned there was a big Aldi blowout on the burgers. I have no idea what the normal price would be here, as Aldi doesn't normally carry them. I go to probably 10 different grocery stores in a week and I witness people paying $300 for a cart they could be getting for $60. That be 'Merica. Not so sure I'd call it inflation. RGDS!
Actually, east coast, and also a Commonwealth, though not the same one as you.
The prices here for food are staggering. We tend to shop at a different Market when doing a full grocery run, which is a couple of towns further away, but even at that the prices are still nuts.
My wife and I both have the cleanest / best possible driving records. We both qualify for discounts based on those records. We also get a discount for less than 10k annual mileage each. Further we get a discount for bundling all our car and house insurance needs with the same company. My wife's car is a 2006 with just under 80k miles and my car is a 2015 that just turned over 70k miles. The cars are garaged in a "safe town" so there is no undisclosed issues factoring into insurance company price logic. This year the insurance on those cars (18 and 9 years old respectively) went up $400. We now pay almost $2,900 to insure to old, plain vanilla - not high end, cars. This is also nuts.
.
And yet, you know those insurance companies are making fistfuls of money.
Just look at how much money they spend fighting for market share via TV ads.
My suggestions:
1) Choose a sound insurance company that does not advertise on TV.
2) If the cars are replaceable (not special-interest or classic), drop the collision and comprehensive coverage and carry liability only (maybe you already do that).
Switch your auto insurance when they bump up. We did ours last year after a blanket $600/yr increase for no reason other than being a 3 year customer. Got that back with the switch.
@JohnnyCache said:
Well, prepare to be surprised.
The inflation is real out there.
The total cost, as is, was $73.10
After savings of $1.49, my cost was $71.61
That's crazy, you must be on the west coast? Because those prices are not what's reflected over here in the Commonweath. Your store-bought butter is 2x (god bless I have fresh Amish butter at -4x your prices). Your cream and pickles are 3x what is in our local stores and the Pilsbury stuff is 2x. As I mentioned there was a big Aldi blowout on the burgers. I have no idea what the normal price would be here, as Aldi doesn't normally carry them. I go to probably 10 different grocery stores in a week and I witness people paying $300 for a cart they could be getting for $60. That be 'Merica. Not so sure I'd call it inflation. RGDS!
Actually, east coast, and also a Commonwealth, though not the same one as you.
The prices here for food are staggering. We tend to shop at a different Market when doing a full grocery run, which is a couple of towns further away, but even at that the prices are still nuts.
My wife and I both have the cleanest / best possible driving records. We both qualify for discounts based on those records. We also get a discount for less than 10k annual mileage each. Further we get a discount for bundling all our car and house insurance needs with the same company. My wife's car is a 2006 with just under 80k miles and my car is a 2015 that just turned over 70k miles. The cars are garaged in a "safe town" so there is no undisclosed issues factoring into insurance company price logic. This year the insurance on those cars (18 and 9 years old respectively) went up $400. We now pay almost $2,900 to insure to old, plain vanilla - not high end, cars. This is also nuts.
Yeah, Liberty mutual just tried to increase our homeowners insurance 35% without explanation. They have increased it every year (smaller amounts) for the past 5 and I was too lazy to switch but this year was the end of the line. I switched to Travelers, increased my coverage and back to what my 2021 premium was.
I went to both Walmart and Aldi today and attempted to duplicate your order. Walmart was a bit cheaper but not nearly what I had assumed. Aldi, using their brand for same sizes came to $48.09. What I did learn today and was completely shocked was the price of cream. now THAT'S inflation. RGDS!
We had nationwide home insurance for 30 years.
Nationwide sent a letter stating that their company flew a drone over our house and noticed that the shingles were discolored. Nationwide insurance company does not have any local representatives.
We had the roof replaced 11 years ago with 30 year shingles and the color is the multi-colored Gray. Nationwide would not accept the receipt for the roof replacement and wanted us to have the roof inspected.
I got up on the roof... didn't see any issues or DISCOLORATION and requested them to come take a look for themselves.
Nationwide doesn't have any local insurance agents and said if I didn't have the roof inspected by a licensed company they would probably be cancelling my policy.
I told them thanks for nothing for the last 30 years ( Never had a claim) and they could go POUND SAND.
I switched to a local insurance company and now warn everyone off about what a crooked company Nationwide insurance is.
@cohodk said:
I haven't worn a watch since 2002, but just saw an ad for one at $100,000!!!
Its crazy out there.
I know your being a bit tongue in cheek, and I'll even acknowledge that sometimes some of us here might appear to be doomsayers, or perhaps more appropriately, people who often see the glass as half empty. I think that's just an inherent quality/flaw of most PM buyers. That said though, even you, if being completely honest, have to look at those few grocery items and think that seventy three dollars seems a bit excessive.
The point is that many food products - at least in my neck of the woods, have seen sharp increases in price and the degree to which those prices have increased in many cases seems unwarranted, particularly when there hasn't been any type of product availability disruption, such as a weather related shortfall, which could otherwise explain the outpaced increase from a typical year over year ("normal") price adjustment.
Energy/Fuel costs (of any type) are often the medium that gets most frequently referenced when the topic of price, inflation or the economy gets discussed in a general way. Without a doubt energy (production/consumption) does have a role in shaping some of those things, or perhaps better said in the perception of those things. I feel however that, when considering the affect on individuals (at the granular level), energy pricing is less of a monthly drag on a family than food costs.
There are alternative transportation methods if/when gas is high, heating - cooling options if/when electricity, oil or natural gas is on the move. However, with high food costs, it can be more difficult to mitigate those price increases, particularly for those just getting by such as young families or seniors on fixed incomes, but really for all of us, as we all have to eat.
Here is some food for thought. Silver just crossed $1000 kg. or $1 gr. A US 90% silver US dollar has ~24 grams of silver and would is worth $24 in silver. So from 1967 - today your dollar is only worth 1/24 of what it was.
Yes. $73 is excessive and I would not have bought it. I frequently walk away items I may want. Eventually they go on sale and then I buy, maybe even stock up.
So, how to bring prices down? Prices for food, insurance, cars, healthcare, etc, how to bring them down?
So, how to bring prices down? Prices for food, insurance, cars, healthcare, etc, how to bring them down?
Make the value of your dollars go up. Hold them in gold.
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
So, how to bring prices down? Prices for food, insurance, cars, healthcare, etc, how to bring them down?
Make the value of your dollars go up. Hold them in gold.
Seriously....you have all the power. Now make prices lower. How do you do it?
You bring down the cost of production by making the inputs cheaper. Energy is a large cost of production. If oil was $30 a bbl and nat gas was so cheap it was nearly free (it should be since it is so abundant).
So, how to bring prices down? Prices for food, insurance, cars, healthcare, etc, how to bring them down?
Make the value of your dollars go up. Hold them in gold.
Seriously....you have all the power. Now make prices lower. How do you do it?
Reduce demand for debt: raise rates to 25%+
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
So, how to bring prices down? Prices for food, insurance, cars, healthcare, etc, how to bring them down?
Make the value of your dollars go up. Hold them in gold.
Seriously....you have all the power. Now make prices lower. How do you do it?
You bring down the cost of production by making the inputs cheaper. Energy is a large cost of production. If oil was $30 a bbl and nat gas was so cheap it was nearly free (it should be since it is so abundant).
Oil is sub $70 and other than a few blips higher and lower is relatively flat-lined over the last nearly 20 years. The 50 and 200 week moving averages are in the $75 range as are the 50 and 200 month averages. Oil isn't going to go to 30 and no political policy will push it there, no matter the who makes the promise. Natgas is same price as 30 years ago and is basically free.
I think you'll find in digging into corporate reports that energy for most companies is a minor expense.
So what other inputs could/would you change if you had all the power to effect prices/cost?
So, how to bring prices down? Prices for food, insurance, cars, healthcare, etc, how to bring them down?
Make the value of your dollars go up. Hold them in gold.
Seriously....you have all the power. Now make prices lower. How do you do it?
Reduce demand for debt: raise rates to 25%+
That would certainly help out the savers. But what about the poor little guy that you and all others champion? How would that effect their standard of living? What effect would that have on asset prices and how would that translate to the working man? Would he still have a job?
Inflation is simply the result of dollar devaluation. Dollar devaluation is the result of money creation. Money creation is the result of uncontrolled government spending. There was a time when gold controlled government spending.
For those that do not agree that gold is dollar protection, consider this:
Nixon closed the gold window in 1971 when gold was $35 an ounce. He told Americans “Let me lay to rest the bugaboo of what is called devaluation,” and promised, “Your dollar will be worth just as much as it is today.” Liar.
Once severed from gold there was no longer a constraint on money creation (government spending). The dollar has lost well over 80% of its value since the money printers were given the green light in 1971. The dollar value of gold has gone from $35 an ounce to nearly $2,700 an ounce, a 7,614% increase. There is no better proof than the price of gold that dollars held in it have maintained their purchasing power since 1971.
Economist Paul Krugman, a huge supporter of money printing, made a "Keynesian" slip when he said cryptocurrency was a step back in the evolution of money because its value isn’t “tethered to anything.” In other words, nothing underlies its value. He seems to have forgotten that the dollar it is no longer backed by a physical commodity such as gold or silver. Fiat currencies derive their value from the fact that the issuing governments say they have value. They sustain their value because the government maintains monopoly power over money – dictating that only its fiat currency can serve as “legal tender.”
Unfortunately this bull market in gold is simply the result a bull market in dollar printing. Those who do not have their spare dollars in gold are at the mercy of inflation . . . money printing . . . government spending.
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
Another sneaky example of shrinkflation. On the road, I sometimes frequent Arby's for a quick bite... like some of the sandwich varieties. They have been running a 2 for $7 special.... I've picked up the crispy chicken sandwiches. But... something seemed odd. The crispy chicken sandwiches used to be very substantial and thick.... but they no longer seem to be, Now a lot thinner! about 1/2 the previous thickness! so that 2 for $7 not quite as good as it first seemed.....
@tincup said:
Another sneaky example of shrinkflation. On the road, I sometimes frequent Arby's for a quick bite... like some of the sandwich varieties. They have been running a 2 for $7 special.... I've picked up the crispy chicken sandwiches. But... something seemed odd. The crispy chicken sandwiches used to be very substantial and thick.... but they no longer seem to be, Now a lot thinner! about 1/2 the previous thickness! so that 2 for $7 not quite as good as it first seemed.....
Or perhaps my imagination.
I was at Walmart yesterday and was looking at a pack of white chocolate macadamia nut Cliff bars. They were touting the big roll back tag from $6.38 to $5.74. Then I noticed the box only contains 5 bars instead of the usual 6. What a deal.
I was at Walmart yesterday and was looking at a pack of white chocolate macadamia nut Cliff bars. They were touting the big roll back tag from $6.38 to $5.74. Then I noticed the box only contains 5 bars instead of the usual 6. What a deal.
Shrinkflation is the result of a shrinking dollar. Your gold is not shrinking. It is the same size (value) as it was in 1971.
Apparently the smart play is to have all your savings (money you don't need to spend) in some form of gold. I like DGP. Unlike you, I believe the real bargain that will reveal itself is silver. I like AGQ. Maybe its time for you to agree to disagree.
And for those who wonder if Bitcoin is preserving dollar value the answer is yes:
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
So, how to bring prices down? Prices for food, insurance, cars, healthcare, etc, how to bring them down?
Make the value of your dollars go up. Hold them in gold.
Seriously....you have all the power. Now make prices lower. How do you do it?
The solution as I see it will likely include highly political policies, etc..... and as such, inappropriate to discuss here.
There's not much political about what the government actually does. They don't give us term limits or anything we actually want as they lower taxes on the rich, raise them on the middle class and give corporations everything they want as they increase spending and borrowing.
Eventually people will come to believe that the debt is unpayable, bonds will tank, and inflation will go into high gear.
So, how to bring prices down? Prices for food, insurance, cars, healthcare, etc, how to bring them down?
Make the value of your dollars go up. Hold them in gold.
Seriously....you have all the power. Now make prices lower. How do you do it?
Reduce demand for debt: raise rates to 25%+
That would certainly help out the savers. But what about the poor little guy that you and all others champion?
He would have to learn to balance a checkbook and to not buy things until he can pay for them.
He could learn a skill that pays his bills.
He could tear up his credit cards.
Lots of things he could do if he would only learn to do them.
And if he's living on other people's sweat then he should be thankful.
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
So, how to bring prices down? Prices for food, insurance, cars, healthcare, etc, how to bring them down?
Make the value of your dollars go up. Hold them in gold.
Seriously....you have all the power. Now make prices lower. How do you do it?
Reduce demand for debt: raise rates to 25%+
That would certainly help out the savers. But what about the poor little guy that you and all others champion?
He would have to learn to balance a checkbook and to not buy things until he can pay for them.
He could learn a skill that pays his bills.
He could tear up his credit cards.
Lots of things he could do if he would only learn to do them.
And if he's living on other people's sweat then he should be thankful.
>
Ah yes, you finally see we are weak. Congrats.
And because what you suggest will never happen, that just reinforces our weakness.
So champion on my friend.
I have not torn up my credit cards I use them always for the perks and pay in full monthly.
My checkbook stays in balance and do not have the problem of not being able to buy things I cannot pay for.
My work skills always paid the bills. Now that I am retired my money skills more than pay the bills.
I'm paying for the sweat of others and not living off of it.
I cast my votes to support things that should happen.
So, while you identify with the weak, I am quite strong. My earlier advice is directed at those who wish to no longer be, as you put it, "weak."
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
Will the east/gulf port strike happen at midnight? Inflation will get a lot worse with supply chain shortages. Will cause a PM price spike, but will it hold when supply chain returns to normal?
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
@derryb said:
Will the east/gulf port strike happen at midnight? Inflation will get a lot worse with supply chain shortages. Will cause a PM price spike, but will it hold when supply chain returns to normal?
@BLUEJAYWAY said:
Last year at Walmart my quart of half and half was $1.79. Today pushing $2.89. Better buy some gold.
I can still buy rotisserie chicken at Costco ..5 bucks.....enough for a few days of food for myself and German Shepard.
Costco now raises their own chickens - only reason they are still $5
I assumed blitzie was selling his chickens below cost.
FWIW, Costco says their imported stock comes from west coast ports, no effect from east cost dock strike.
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
Ending the FED might bring back free toasters and dishes.
Being that the FED both manufactures and supplies free debt (new money) it fits the definition and is intitled to be a cartel of bankers.
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
Comments
How much do you think these items cost?
Charles III Album
Charles III Portrait Set
Charles IV Album
Charles IV Portrait Set
Spanish Colonial Pillar Set
$45?
I'll share in a little bit, hope for a few guesses
Charles III Album
Charles III Portrait Set
Charles IV Album
Charles IV Portrait Set
Spanish Colonial Pillar Set
That would set you back $38 up here in The Commonwealth. Aldi's was recently blowing out those Wahlburgers for $7.99 a pack. Even though we have a side of beef in the deep freeze I added 11 packs. The brisket mix makes them rather enjoyable. RGDS!
The whole worlds off its rocker, buy Gold™.
Well, prepare to be surprised.
The inflation is real out there.
The total cost, as is, was $73.10
After savings of $1.49, my cost was $71.61
Charles III Album
Charles III Portrait Set
Charles IV Album
Charles IV Portrait Set
Spanish Colonial Pillar Set
That's crazy, you must be on the west coast? Because those prices are not what's reflected over here in the Commonweath. Your store-bought butter is 2x (god bless I have fresh Amish butter at -4x your prices). Your cream and pickles are 3x what is in our local stores and the Pilsbury stuff is 2x. As I mentioned there was a big Aldi blowout on the burgers. I have no idea what the normal price would be here, as Aldi doesn't normally carry them. I go to probably 10 different grocery stores in a week and I witness people paying $300 for a cart they could be getting for $60. That be 'Merica. Not so sure I'd call it inflation. RGDS!
The whole worlds off its rocker, buy Gold™.
I had the angus burgers figured pretty close. But missed big time on the rest! But then I'm in a small town in the Midwest. BUT... if one does not shop sales and Aldi's..,.. I imagine it would be easy to reach those prices shown. Ouch. Now.... what do you pay in restaurants?
Actually, east coast, and also a Commonwealth, though not the same one as you.
The prices here for food are staggering. We tend to shop at a different Market when doing a full grocery run, which is a couple of towns further away, but even at that the prices are still nuts.
My wife and I both have the cleanest / best possible driving records. We both qualify for discounts based on those records. We also get a discount for less than 10k annual mileage each. Further we get a discount for bundling all our car and house insurance needs with the same company. My wife's car is a 2006 with just under 80k miles and my car is a 2015 that just turned over 70k miles. The cars are garaged in a "safe town" so there is no undisclosed issues factoring into insurance company price logic. This year the insurance on those cars (18 and 9 years old respectively) went up $400. We now pay almost $2,900 to insure to old, plain vanilla - not high end, cars. This is also nuts.
Charles III Album
Charles III Portrait Set
Charles IV Album
Charles IV Portrait Set
Spanish Colonial Pillar Set
@tincup
We both actually like to cook, the prices at restaurants have gotten out of hand, but the real reason we have almost entirely stopped going out to eat is the quality of the food being served has dropped off a cliff post pandemic and not come back to anything near worth the new price points.
I'm a foodie, and I will pay for quality food, in a restaurant or to be prepared at home, but the restaurants all suck. The literal couple that don't would cost $400+ for a couple - no alcohol.
At that point I can source and prepare most, though not all, food items for myself that equals or exceeds what I can find in a restaurant and certainly so when factoring costs.
Been eating a lot of fish lately, trying to be more balanced than just all meat, which I'm a meat lover.
The cod loin is priced at $23.00/#, cod filets at $18/#.
I did eat out the other night though. My wife had gone away for a few days with some girlfriends and I had to pick her up at the airport so it just wasn't going to work out, time wise, to cook that night. Here's the slip from the place we went. Two burgers, one salad (we split it and it wasn't all that big), some onion rings and one soda + one tap water.
Charles III Album
Charles III Portrait Set
Charles IV Album
Charles IV Portrait Set
Spanish Colonial Pillar Set
.
And yet, you know those insurance companies are making fistfuls of money.
Just look at how much money they spend fighting for market share via TV ads.
My suggestions:
1) Choose a sound insurance company that does not advertise on TV.
2) If the cars are replaceable (not special-interest or classic), drop the collision and comprehensive coverage and carry liability only (maybe you already do that).
.
I haven't worn a watch since 2002, but just saw an ad for one at $100,000!!!
Its crazy out there.
Knowledge is the enemy of fear
Switch your auto insurance when they bump up. We did ours last year after a blanket $600/yr increase for no reason other than being a 3 year customer. Got that back with the switch.
Yeah, Liberty mutual just tried to increase our homeowners insurance 35% without explanation. They have increased it every year (smaller amounts) for the past 5 and I was too lazy to switch but this year was the end of the line. I switched to Travelers, increased my coverage and back to what my 2021 premium was.
I went to both Walmart and Aldi today and attempted to duplicate your order. Walmart was a bit cheaper but not nearly what I had assumed. Aldi, using their brand for same sizes came to $48.09. What I did learn today and was completely shocked was the price of cream. now THAT'S inflation. RGDS!
The whole worlds off its rocker, buy Gold™.
We had nationwide home insurance for 30 years.
Nationwide sent a letter stating that their company flew a drone over our house and noticed that the shingles were discolored.
Nationwide insurance company does not have any local representatives.
We had the roof replaced 11 years ago with 30 year shingles and the color is the multi-colored Gray.
Nationwide would not accept the receipt for the roof replacement and wanted us to have the roof inspected.
I got up on the roof... didn't see any issues or DISCOLORATION and requested them to come take a look for themselves.
Nationwide doesn't have any local insurance agents and said if I didn't have the roof inspected by a licensed company they would probably be cancelling my policy.
I told them thanks for nothing for the last 30 years ( Never had a claim) and they could go POUND SAND.
I switched to a local insurance company and now warn everyone off about what a crooked company Nationwide insurance is.
I know your being a bit tongue in cheek, and I'll even acknowledge that sometimes some of us here might appear to be doomsayers, or perhaps more appropriately, people who often see the glass as half empty. I think that's just an inherent quality/flaw of most PM buyers. That said though, even you, if being completely honest, have to look at those few grocery items and think that seventy three dollars seems a bit excessive.
The point is that many food products - at least in my neck of the woods, have seen sharp increases in price and the degree to which those prices have increased in many cases seems unwarranted, particularly when there hasn't been any type of product availability disruption, such as a weather related shortfall, which could otherwise explain the outpaced increase from a typical year over year ("normal") price adjustment.
Energy/Fuel costs (of any type) are often the medium that gets most frequently referenced when the topic of price, inflation or the economy gets discussed in a general way. Without a doubt energy (production/consumption) does have a role in shaping some of those things, or perhaps better said in the perception of those things. I feel however that, when considering the affect on individuals (at the granular level), energy pricing is less of a monthly drag on a family than food costs.
There are alternative transportation methods if/when gas is high, heating - cooling options if/when electricity, oil or natural gas is on the move. However, with high food costs, it can be more difficult to mitigate those price increases, particularly for those just getting by such as young families or seniors on fixed incomes, but really for all of us, as we all have to eat.
Charles III Album
Charles III Portrait Set
Charles IV Album
Charles IV Portrait Set
Spanish Colonial Pillar Set
Here is some food for thought. Silver just crossed $1000 kg. or $1 gr. A US 90% silver US dollar has ~24 grams of silver and would is worth $24 in silver. So from 1967 - today your dollar is only worth 1/24 of what it was.
Yes. $73 is excessive and I would not have bought it. I frequently walk away items I may want. Eventually they go on sale and then I buy, maybe even stock up.
So, how to bring prices down? Prices for food, insurance, cars, healthcare, etc, how to bring them down?
Knowledge is the enemy of fear
Make the value of your dollars go up. Hold them in gold.
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
Seriously....you have all the power. Now make prices lower. How do you do it?
Knowledge is the enemy of fear
The solution as I see it will likely include highly political policies, etc..... and as such, inappropriate to discuss here.
Meanwhile, the best that I can do is watch my own spending, spend wisely, and wish I had more gold and silver!
You bring down the cost of production by making the inputs cheaper. Energy is a large cost of production. If oil was $30 a bbl and nat gas was so cheap it was nearly free (it should be since it is so abundant).
Reduce demand for debt: raise rates to 25%+
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
With a slight tweak LIVIN 101. RGDS!
The whole worlds off its rocker, buy Gold™.
Oil is sub $70 and other than a few blips higher and lower is relatively flat-lined over the last nearly 20 years. The 50 and 200 week moving averages are in the $75 range as are the 50 and 200 month averages. Oil isn't going to go to 30 and no political policy will push it there, no matter the who makes the promise. Natgas is same price as 30 years ago and is basically free.
I think you'll find in digging into corporate reports that energy for most companies is a minor expense.
So what other inputs could/would you change if you had all the power to effect prices/cost?
Knowledge is the enemy of fear
That would certainly help out the savers. But what about the poor little guy that you and all others champion? How would that effect their standard of living? What effect would that have on asset prices and how would that translate to the working man? Would he still have a job?
Knowledge is the enemy of fear
Inflation is simply the result of dollar devaluation. Dollar devaluation is the result of money creation. Money creation is the result of uncontrolled government spending. There was a time when gold controlled government spending.
For those that do not agree that gold is dollar protection, consider this:
Nixon closed the gold window in 1971 when gold was $35 an ounce. He told Americans “Let me lay to rest the bugaboo of what is called devaluation,” and promised, “Your dollar will be worth just as much as it is today.” Liar.
Once severed from gold there was no longer a constraint on money creation (government spending). The dollar has lost well over 80% of its value since the money printers were given the green light in 1971. The dollar value of gold has gone from $35 an ounce to nearly $2,700 an ounce, a 7,614% increase. There is no better proof than the price of gold that dollars held in it have maintained their purchasing power since 1971.
Economist Paul Krugman, a huge supporter of money printing, made a "Keynesian" slip when he said cryptocurrency was a step back in the evolution of money because its value isn’t “tethered to anything.” In other words, nothing underlies its value. He seems to have forgotten that the dollar it is no longer backed by a physical commodity such as gold or silver. Fiat currencies derive their value from the fact that the issuing governments say they have value. They sustain their value because the government maintains monopoly power over money – dictating that only its fiat currency can serve as “legal tender.”
Unfortunately this bull market in gold is simply the result a bull market in dollar printing. Those who do not have their spare dollars in gold are at the mercy of inflation . . . money printing . . . government spending.
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
Another sneaky example of shrinkflation. On the road, I sometimes frequent Arby's for a quick bite... like some of the sandwich varieties. They have been running a 2 for $7 special.... I've picked up the crispy chicken sandwiches. But... something seemed odd. The crispy chicken sandwiches used to be very substantial and thick.... but they no longer seem to be, Now a lot thinner! about 1/2 the previous thickness! so that 2 for $7 not quite as good as it first seemed.....
Or perhaps my imagination.
I was at Walmart yesterday and was looking at a pack of white chocolate macadamia nut Cliff bars. They were touting the big roll back tag from $6.38 to $5.74. Then I noticed the box only contains 5 bars instead of the usual 6. What a deal.
RGDS!
The whole worlds off its rocker, buy Gold™.
Shrinkflation is the result of a shrinking dollar. Your gold is not shrinking. It is the same size (value) as it was in 1971.
Apparently the smart play is to have all your savings (money you don't need to spend) in some form of gold. I like DGP. Unlike you, I believe the real bargain that will reveal itself is silver. I like AGQ. Maybe its time for you to agree to disagree.
And for those who wonder if Bitcoin is preserving dollar value the answer is yes:
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
There's not much political about what the government actually does. They don't give us term limits or anything we actually want as they lower taxes on the rich, raise them on the middle class and give corporations everything they want as they increase spending and borrowing.
Eventually people will come to believe that the debt is unpayable, bonds will tank, and inflation will go into high gear.
He would have to learn to balance a checkbook and to not buy things until he can pay for them.
He could learn a skill that pays his bills.
He could tear up his credit cards.
Lots of things he could do if he would only learn to do them.
And if he's living on other people's sweat then he should be thankful.
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
>
Ah yes, you finally see we are weak. Congrats.
And because what you suggest will never happen, that just reinforces our weakness.
So champion on my friend.
Knowledge is the enemy of fear
I have not torn up my credit cards I use them always for the perks and pay in full monthly.
My checkbook stays in balance and do not have the problem of not being able to buy things I cannot pay for.
My work skills always paid the bills. Now that I am retired my money skills more than pay the bills.
I'm paying for the sweat of others and not living off of it.
I cast my votes to support things that should happen.
So, while you identify with the weak, I am quite strong. My earlier advice is directed at those who wish to no longer be, as you put it, "weak."
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
Oh, you're strong? Let's arm wrestle. Come on let's do it PPV for the forum. Proceeds go to adolescent cancer research.
Come on strongman!!
Knowledge is the enemy of fear
Will the east/gulf port strike happen at midnight? Inflation will get a lot worse with supply chain shortages. Will cause a PM price spike, but will it hold when supply chain returns to normal?
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
Last year at Walmart my quart of half and half was $1.79. Today pushing $2.89. Better buy some gold.
Looks like that strike is on. More to follow.
I can still buy rotisserie chicken at Costco ..5 bucks.....enough for a few days of food for myself and German Shepard.
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
Costco now raises their own chickens - only reason they are still $5
I assumed blitzie was selling his chickens below cost.
FWIW, Costco says their imported stock comes from west coast ports, no effect from east cost dock strike.
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
Our chicken at local Walmart over $7. Enough for me and the squirrels out back.
you may want to buy some medical device stocks if you are drinking liquid artery sealant.
Where did all the extra money go?
If hamburger was $4/lb and now is $7, then who got the extra $3?
If eggs were $1.99 and now $3.99, who got the extra $2?
If home insurance was $2000 and now $4000, who got the extra $2000?
Knowledge is the enemy of fear
No worries. It's fat free.
Where did all the extra money go?
A cynical and derisive question if there ever was one.
If hamburger was $4/lb and now is $7, then who got the extra $3?
The banks who created money out of thin air received the primary benefit, everyone else pays for it.
If eggs were $1.99 and now $3.99, who got the extra $2?
The banks who created money out of thin air received the primary benefit, everyone else pays for it.
If home insurance was $2000 and now $4000, who got the extra $2000?
The banks who created money out of thin air received the primary benefit, everyone else pays for it.
Read about the Cantillon Effect:
https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=a3f3408b7d24d8336&q=https://mises.org/mises-wire/cantillon-effects-why-inflation-helps-some-and-hurts-others&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjc78_di_KIAxW8J0QIHRpjA0wQFnoECAsQAg&usg=AOvVaw3RctKEdtOw0u2l1FobOL1y
End the criminal Fed cartel.
I knew it would happen.
You're always good for a laugh jmski.
So you say I should go to my local bank amd order steakand eggs?
Knowledge is the enemy of fear
Ending the FED might bring back free toasters and dishes.
Being that the FED both manufactures and supplies free debt (new money) it fits the definition and is intitled to be a cartel of bankers.
"Interest rates, the price of money, are the most important market. And, perversely, they’re the market that’s most manipulated by the Fed." - Doug Casey
Still wanting to know who got the other $2 from the eggs and $3 from hamburger.
Knowledge is the enemy of fear
This guy gets $3 for my eggs. I keep them cheap as my costs are low. Best deal in town.
My neighbor gets $6/lb for his organic hamburger from the butcher, the butcher processes and packages and bumps it up to $7.99.
Here in The Commonwealth it appears to have stayed in the community. RGDS!
The whole worlds off its rocker, buy Gold™.