Has inflation pushed you over the edge?

[3.0L]

Or are you coping okay.

I read somewhere in this morning's rag (newspaper) that we might slow or curb inflation if we simply stop buying (unnecessary) stuff.

[Tommy-G]

Ever since quarantine/COVID/pandemic I have def. cut spending. I know this b/c my savings have grown. We tend not to go out to dinners, buying trivial items and have not "gone away" even for day trips like we used to.
I keep saying I would like to do a few weekend trips all within driving distance but I just cant get back into the motion.

Therefore, I guess I'm doing OK

[cmyx6go]

I’m fortunate to be in a position where I shake my head at the crazy increase in prices but can continue buying what I want. I truly feel for those in different situations that can’t afford things they need.

[TiMSport]

^^^
What she said.

[upstatedoc]

Chicken is the new steak!

[Mein11]

If anything I'm just annoyed at the lack of raises from my company the past two years while getting 3x the responsibilities, which means getting paid LESS while prices are going up.

First world problem, so can't complain (too) much.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by Mein11

If anything I'm just annoyed at the lack of raises from my company the past two years while getting 3x the responsibilities, which means getting paid LESS while prices are going up.

First world problem, so can't complain (too) much.

But this is a common issue. When I retired back in April, my last regular take home check was within a few cents of my first take home check at the university where I'd worked for 8 years. We got the occasional raise, but it didn't keep up with the rise in health care and insurance costs.

That said, I have a bad habit of not watching prices on anything but gas, and that's only because the gas prices are clearly posted everywhere. I know things like building materials got pricier, but only because I read about it in the paper. Same with inflation in general. It just hasn't become a big enough issue to catch my attention. And with COVID screwing things up, we've cut out restaurant meals almost entirely except for the occasional take-out meal. We haven't traveled at all and that used to be our biggest expenditure every year. Our checking account is getting ridiculously overfunded to the point where we're thinking about taking out a bunch and investing it elsewhere.

So even though there is inflation, the money we're saving by eating home cooked meals and not traveling is more than balancing it out.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by Tommy-G

Ever since quarantine/COVID/pandemic I have def. cut spending. I know this b/c my savings have grown. We tend not to go out to dinners, buying trivial items and have not "gone away" even for day trips like we used to.
I keep saying I would like to do a few weekend trips all within driving distance but I just cant get back into the motion.

Therefore, I guess I'm doing OK

That’s where my mind is now.

[LookBothWays]

I feel fortunate that I don't need anything really but have sympathy for those who feel the strain. It is still aggravating to watch prices rise from day to day.

I really think that if anyone is looking for a new car and expect things might return to normal someday that when they do prices will increase exponentially. Today might be the next best time to purchase.

[TiMSport]

Rest assured the inflation problem is not isolated to the United States. Virtually all countries are enduring this right now.

[TiMSport]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

Chicken is the new steak!

Instant ramen is the new chicken.

[Mein11]

Originally Posted by M_Six

But this is a common issue. When I retired back in April, my last regular take home check was within a few cents of my first take home check at the university where I'd worked for 8 years. We got the occasional raise, but it didn't keep up with the rise in health care and insurance costs.

That said, I have a bad habit of not watching prices on anything but gas, and that's only because the gas prices are clearly posted everywhere. I know things like building materials got pricier, but only because I read about it in the paper. Same with inflation in general. It just hasn't become a big enough issue to catch my attention. And with COVID screwing things up, we've cut out restaurant meals almost entirely except for the occasional take-out meal. We haven't traveled at all and that used to be our biggest expenditure every year. Our checking account is getting ridiculously overfunded to the point where we're thinking about taking out a bunch and investing it elsewhere.

So even though there is inflation, the money we're saving by eating home cooked meals and not traveling is more than balancing it out.

It's sad that it's a common issue, especially when these companies are making ridiculous amounts of profit, even during Covid. Had to take a 10% pay cut for 1 year because of Covid, so one year at even LESS. Sure I could look for another job and increase pay, but I truly enjoy what I do and the people I get to work with. It's just overly frustrating doing more, and not being compensated for it, even on a basic level.

I agree though, aside from gas I don't pay attention to prices of most things. Not a big spender for the most part, mostly standard bills, groceries, fuel, and either golf or going out to eat with friends. Did want to build a fence around the house this year, but cost of materials deferred that, so that's about the only instance it's stopped a large purchase.

If you are in fact saving a ton, there's no reason not to invest it. But, I'm also the type of person that's of the mindset that "can't take it with you", so treat yourself as well.

[Tyga11]

Most people can't afford to put food on the table or fill up their cars with gas. It's extremely sad what's happening right now. I was at Safeway last week and picked up the tab for a young woman who couldn't afford shredded cheddar cheese. She thought the price was $2.99 (like it normally is) but it was actually $3.99.

She didn't have enough money to cover the cost.

[dreamingat30fps]

I have stopped large purchases like cars but other than that I’m not sure much has changed. We don’t tend to eat out at fancy places so I can’t say I’ve noticed a significant change in dinning prices. I did notice a meal we usually get at a local BBQ place went from like $50 to $60. I only know that because we always get the same exact thing.

I don’t do the grocery shopping so I have no idea whats going on with that. I refuse to buy the better cuts of meat at costco because of the cost… although honestly I’m not sure how much they were before and I could afford them… I’m just cheap. I’ve noticed gas go crazy but luckily I have the Tesla here so haven’t put gas since we got back, however filling the truck up for the trip north will hurt.

The only other “bigger” stuff we buy is furniture for NC and that’s pretty much all at consignment stores because I’m cheap and I also like some of the old stuff you can find. I do need a big TV for up there but that’s about it.

I don’t know wtf is going on. On the one side you have inflation and people supposedly being laid off or getting pay cuts because rona, but then you have shortages on everything and people paying ridiculous markups on cars and apparently no one working. Doesn’t compute. I’ll sit tight and wait for this crap to sort itself out.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by Tyga11

Most people can't afford to put food on the table or fill up their cars with gas. It's extremely sad what's happening right now. I was at Safeway last week and picked up the tab for a young woman who couldn't afford shredded cheddar cheese. She thought the price was $2.99 (like it normally is) but it was actually $3.99.

She didn't have enough money to cover the cost.

That's why we support the local food bank with a monthly donation. Probably the best option when it comes to "Think Globally, Act Locally."

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by LookBothWays

I really think that if anyone is looking for a new car and expect things might return to normal someday that when they do prices will increase exponentially. Today might be the next best time to purchase.

That’s just it: no one knows exactly how the market will play out. Pay more today, or hold-off and risk paying even more tomorrow....

[Sara]

Not so much the price, though I know it's coming, my issue is product availability

[cmyx6go]

Originally Posted by Sara

Not so much the price, though I know it's coming, my issue is product availability

What can’t you get? Last year it was terrible getting basics like toilet paper, paper towels, clorox, lysol and cleaning supplies. I haven’t encountered these products out of stock but the prices skyrocketed. Now if we’re talking furniture, appliances or parts for my trucks, that’s another story.

[ryan stewart]

Originally Posted by cmyx6go

I’m fortunate to be in a position where I shake my head at the crazy increase in prices but can continue buying what I want. I truly feel for those in different situations that can’t afford things they need.

Same.

[ryan stewart]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

That’s just it: no one knows exactly how the market will play out. Pay more today, or hold-off and risk paying even more tomorrow....

Port of LA just announced they had the highest volume month in history and there was a 30% reduction in backlogged ships.

Things WILL catch up. So many things were furloughed or sold off for covid and they werent ready for demand to bounce right back. Now that prices are high people will be motivated to move back into markets they had avoided during covid.

Its less and less covid shutdowns and more just catching back up.

[Sara]

Originally Posted by cmyx6go

What can’t you get? Last year it was terrible getting basis like toilet paper, paper towels, clorox, lysol and cleaning supplies. I haven’t encountered these products out of stock but the prices skyrocketed. Now if we’re talking furniture, appliances or parts for my trucks, that’s another story.

Struck out making garlic shrimp quinoa the other night. I went to Rouses and the entire aisle was empty. Scratched that idea.

This past weekend, Jacqueline needed more hoof heal, both local feed stores were out of stock. In 23 years of owning horses, I've never encountered that. Luckily, I was able to order some online, though now her foot had to wait. That's what I get for assuming the stores would have basic supplies.

The delays in getting products to the stores are just something I have to get used to.

[ryan stewart]

Originally Posted by Sara

This past weekend, Jacqueline needed more hoof heal, both local feed stores were out of stock. In 23 years of owning horses, I've never encountered that.

People drinking that shit now too?