Inflation and Living on Fix Income

[Michael G.]

Have you notice how prices have sky rocketed lately?

Businesses looking for help.
Raising cost of Transportation.
Grocery's are going through the roof.

Headlines say inflation will get worse as supply's are harder to get.

How are you holding up in your retirement years if on fix income?

[graciegirl]

Have you notice how prices have sky rocketed lately?

Businesses looking for help.
Raising cost of Transportation.
Grocery's are going through the roof.

Headlines say inflation will get worse as supply's are harder to get.

How are you holding up in your retirement years if on fix income?

Things are becoming seriously more expensive than they were. I don't think it is going to get better. I think that it means that SOME people who live here will not be able to make ends meet.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'm not noticing that much of a difference. I use coupons when I remember to bring them with me, and I have a few "shopping reward apps" that give me points that I can trade in for store credits. But I've always done that. I also finally learned how to make my sister-in-law's sauce and lasagna. Sounds unrelated right? Well...
$50 in ingredients nets me:

Enough lasagna for two people for 3 nights of lasagna dinner, plus an extra lunch-sized serving or two.

AND

Enough sauce for 4 chicken parmesan dinners

AND

enough leftover meatballs, sausage, and sauce for 2 macaroni and meatball dinners PLUS 3 more sauces for two weeks worth of macaroni and meatball dinners/lunches or meatball subs.

The only thing extra I have to buy, is chicken cutlets, ground beef (on sale on Tuesdays at Fresh Market for $2.99/pound), a loaf of bread for the garlic bread, and a package of salad to last a few days' worth of meals.

Total additional cost might be $25. So $75 for almost two months' worth of lunches and dinners at least twice a week, for two people.

[Mortal1]

Holding up fine thanks. It's all about managing your priorities and your budget. It ain't rocket science.

[jdulej]

I don't really see it. There are supply chain issues with major ports backed up that will cause temporary price jumps. Like lumber earlier in the year - now ancient history.
2-4 % inflation is normal, we just have not seen it for a while because of the very accommodating fed.
Look for a nice hefty jump in your Social Security check starting in Jan as well.

Relax

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Holding up fine thanks. It's all about managing your priorities and your budget. It ain't rocket science.

That seems pretty insensitive.

Not everyone was able to amass a fortune in savings before they retired. Not everyone is even able to quit working when they come down here. Seniors on a fixed income - usually spend according to their means.

But when the cost of those means goes up..

They can no longer afford those things. In some cases, it's health care. In some cases, it's food. And in some cases, it's mortgage.

[Michael G.]

I know some people don't like charge cards, but those credit rewards really build up over time.
Yes, using coupons are another way to save.

Aldi's saves us a lot compared to Publics and even Walmart on some items.

[La lamy]

Dollar store is still full of one dollar items, so I'm good. :icon_wink: But yes lots of inflation since Covid.

[Escape Artist]

I don't really see it. There are supply chain issues with major ports backed up that will cause temporary price jumps. Like lumber earlier in the year - now ancient history.
2-4 % inflation is normal, we just have not seen it for a while because of the very accommodating fed.
Look for a nice hefty jump in your Social Security check starting in Jan as well.

Relax

Are we going to believe the "nothing to see here" crowd or our own lying eyes? We've all been experiencing inflation, which is a at 6% and that's probably a conservative estimate. We have all encountered shortages of goods at stores or rationing, higher gas prices, higher costs at restaurants, grocery stores/retail, etc.

There's still a noticeable shortage of workers at most retail and service-related businesses. Costs to remodel or improve your home and construction costs in general are very high and continuing to climb despite your claim about lumber prices. Let alone getting labor to do the jobs. And you can't even buy some things like new cars, golf carts, boats etc. and used prices for these things have skyrocketed. You wanna talk about supply chain issues? The real fun has just begun, there's more misery on the horizon.

[vintageogauge]

I don't really see it. There are supply chain issues with major ports backed up that will cause temporary price jumps. Like lumber earlier in the year - now ancient history.
2-4 % inflation is normal, we just have not seen it for a while because of the very accommodating fed.
Look for a nice hefty jump in your Social Security check starting in Jan as well.

Relax

2-4%??? Evidently you don't buy gas or food and I feel sorry for anyone needing appliances or to replace their car. The price of steel has more than tripled and it ain't ancient history, those who were ready to buy a home have found that the home they can now afford is not the home they were hoping for. 2-4% is not even close to being realistic. Lumber, although down from it's high in May is is not ancient history, it is still nearly 30% higher than a year ago and is forecast to go right back up by the end of the year along with just about everything else. This is not over by a long shot and I do truly feel for those who are on a fixed income.

[Vikingjunior]

COLA should be about 6% in 2022.

[Bogie Shooter]

Dollar store is still full of one dollar items, so I'm good. :icon_wink: But yes lots of inflation since Covid.

Their China shipments will be slowing down….

[vintageogauge]

COLA should be about 6% in 2022.

"Should Be" are the key words. They will find some reason to make it closer to 3% either by saying it's only a temporary increase in costs or Medicare can't afford what the adjustment "should be".

[Villagesgal]

If you can't get by start using a food bank. They are supplied by donations for people that can't get by.
Don't ever be embarrassed to use a food bank, that's what they are there for. Use thrift stores instead of department stores, lots of like new and even brand new items there for pennies on the dollar. Shop the dollar store for everything else. You'd be amazed at how much you can save by using the resources that are out there and no one else needs to know unless you tell them. Please use these resources. Contact the pharmaceutical companies as well, they have services set up for low income for free or almost free prescriptions.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

"most of us live on fixed income, its called a salary. . . "

I don't remember where I heard this from a long time ago, but its true

[Escape Artist]

"most of us live on fixed income, its called a salary. . . "

I don't remember where I heard this from a long time ago, but its true

You mean a salary for being retired? :confused:

[justjim]

From the census data, I really don’t think many Villagers are living the Village lifestyle off their social security check. Most have done quite well financially the last few years. Our homes have greatly appreciated in value and the stock market has performed with record returns. There is still time to turn some of that appreciation to cash and if in the market take some profits if you project a personal budget shortfall because of inflation. Just my personal analysis and observation of where the vast majority of Villagers stand financially today. There is a definite shortage of labor and a part-time job will do a lot to makeup a personal budget shortfall if that becomes necessary. Besides, a part-time job can be an energizer for many retirees whether you can use the money or not.

[jdulej]

2-4%??? Evidently you don't buy gas or food and I feel sorry for anyone needing appliances or to replace their car. The price of steel has more than tripled and it ain't ancient history, those who were ready to buy a home have found that the home they can now afford is not the home they were hoping for. 2-4% is not even close to being realistic. Lumber, although down from it's high in May is is not ancient history, it is still nearly 30% higher than a year ago and is forecast to go right back up by the end of the year along with just about everything else. This is not over by a long shot and I do truly feel for those who are on a fixed income.
My car is a diesel. Just filled it up. Price was withing 5 cent of the same price it has been for at least a year ($3.00 gallon). Everything else you listed above are supply chain issues which will sort themselves out. Stock market gurus (Not the radio/TV hacks) are not worried, either am I.

[biker1]

The COLA is based on the CPI-W. So, you are suggesting that "they" are planning on mucking around with the CPI-W calculation?

"Should Be" are the key words. They will find some reason to make it closer to 3% either by saying it's only a temporary increase in costs or Medicare can't afford what the adjustment "should be".

[Escape Artist]

Everything else you listed above are supply chain issues which will sort themselves out.

Or not. It might get worse because it may be driven by variables other than crowded ports or manufacturing delays. Maybe some of it is intentional.

[frose]

inflation is not from covid..

[Decadeofdave]

I have different view, we have been fortunate that inflation had been flat the last 10 or so years. Knowing that eventually prices will rise, you acumulate savings during the flat line inflation years. ie plan ahead

[frose]

all you people better wake up!!! 6$ a gal gas, 7.50 a gal milk, stock market will tank as well as housing. I just spent 116$ in aldi's for 70$ worth of groceries. That's what I paid last month for the same groceries. This will continue for the next 3 plus years.. hope everyone is happy in their rose colored glasses.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

98% of the current debt was on the books the first of year , maybe things get worse maybe they don’t but there are always the prophets of doom whether things are good or bad crying, just wait see how bad things will be in the future it will be legendary , but we seem to always bounce back and thrive , although I predict that milk will go so high everyone will buy a cow

[Bogie Shooter]

all you people better wake up!!! 6$ a gal gas, 7.50 a gal milk, stock market will tank as well as housing. I just spent 116$ in aldi's for 70$ worth of groceries. That's what I paid last month for the same groceries. This will continue for the next 3 plus years.. hope everyone is happy in their rose colored glasses.

A 65% increase in one month at Aldi's.....hard to believe?

[golfing eagles]

Actually I think I figured it out all by myself!
You must be another Moonbat from New York, New Jersey, or some other place in the Northeast People's Republic.
Please correct me if I'm wrong.

My post regarding "chicken little the sky is falling" was in response to a post predicting gloom and doom, $6.00/gal gas and $7.50/gal milk.

I have no idea whatsoever what your post was referring to, nor do I have a clue what a "moonbat" is, nor do I know what you "figured out all by yourself"

Consider yourself wrong, AND corrected.:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

PS---How did I get to be so smart?----born that way, had smart parents. But it's all relative:1rotfl:

[CoachKandSportsguy]

You mean a salary for being retired? :confused:

no it means that you don't have to be retired to be on fixed income. .
unless you are in sales with commissions, or hourly with overtime,
your salary is fixed. . hence your income is fixed. .

ie inflation hits working people with salaries as well as retired people
with social security. . both are fixed income

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I predict that milk will go so high everyone will buy a cow

Are you sure its going to result in buying a cow versus having a cow?

:boxing2:

[jdulej]

A 65% increase in one month at Aldi's.....hard to believe?
I really question that number as well. I've been doing the shopping this year (most of it) while my wife is out with some back problems. If I came home with price changes anything close to that (or not even close) believe me, I would have heard about from her. Maybe Aldi is moving back to what would normally be their prices since they have been open for a while now? I don't shop there, so don't really know. I do all my shopping at Publix - lots of nice bo-gos and 2-fers.

[rustyp]

Dollar store is still full of one dollar items, so I'm good. :icon_wink: But yes lots of inflation since Covid.


Today on wall street:
"Dollar Tree (DLTR) had been the biggest laggard, falling around 6%. It comes after Wednesday's spike on plans to add price points above $1 across Dollar Tree Plus stores. It will also test price points above $1 in some legacy stores."

[jdulej]

Are you sure its going to result in buying a cow versus having a cow?

:boxing2:

You just need to tell the community standards police that it's a big fat dog with damaged vocal cords.

[DAVES]

That seems pretty insensitive.

Not everyone was able to amass a fortune in savings before they retired. Not everyone is even able to quit working when they come down here. Seniors on a fixed income - usually spend according to their means.

But when the cost of those means goes up..

They can no longer afford those things. In some cases, it's health care. In some cases, it's food. And in some cases, it's mortgage.

Insensitive perhaps is one term. However it is a matter of finance. What you have vs what you spend. It always has been so. Budget. At the stated goal of 2% inflation, reality is they have never in history had a goal and achieved it for a period of time.
In any case at 2% in 36 years you will need two dollars to buy what our already inflated dollar buys.

[too17]

From site guidelines, for your consideration……..
You will not use this site to harass any other member of this site or infringe upon anyone’s enjoyment of the site. This includes using appropriate language or swearing, threatening or harassing other members, or creating obscene or disturbing content. Do not attempt to bypass the censor by misspelling inappropriate words. Such posts will be edited and your account will be subject to point infractions

Thank you for your advice & council:)

[DAVES]

I really question that number as well. I've been doing the shopping this year (most of it) while my wife is out with some back problems. If I came home with price changes anything close to that (or not even close) believe me, I would have heard about from her. Maybe Aldi is moving back to what would normally be their prices since they have been open for a while now? I don't shop there, so don't really know. I do all my shopping at Publix - lots of nice bo-gos and 2-fers.

Like most of these posts, it seems to go down hill. In terms of inflation, I am old enough and most of the others posting are to remember the logo for Mcdonalds was and get change back from your dollar. Heck I remember as a kid my allowance was .25 a week.
You could buy a slice of pizza for fifteen cents and a small soda for ten cents. One of the few things that has not inflated was the deposit on sodas. They were glass not land fill and you got two cents for the small ones and a nickle for the large ones. Oh and my father was making $100 a week and supporting a family of four. We did not have a TV till I was like 7 or a car till I was like 10.

Shopping, it is sort of a sport for us. Winn dixie and Publix are both roughly 3 miles away by golf cart. Aldis is not golf cart accessible but is also 3-4 miles away. The CPI
consumer price index last posted was up 5.5% most of that is food, fuel. Transitory. That is wishful thinking not reality.

[jimbomaybe]

https://www.advisorperspectives.com/articles/2021/09/30/on-the-solvency-of-social-security?textlink&utm_source=boomtrain&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign&utm_content&utm_term&bt_ee=w4OQt448CHcpJbAXtLEkS5PcAt2Igrhcg26dDd5ykuBB sfaB6f2WOs0xerVacsNp&bt_ts=1633039426823

[Rose Ann Vinci Igoe]

Have you notice how prices have sky rocketed lately?

Businesses looking for help.
Raising cost of Transportation.
Grocery's are going through the roof.

Headlines say inflation will get worse as supply's are harder to get.

How are you holding up in your retirement years if on fix income?

Last read a 6% increase in SS is coming up for everyone at the beginning of the year. We are all, working and being careful with our money. Still Plenty of people going out to dinner, entertainment, buying new cars, trips, so I don't think people are struggling as much as you think. Yes prices are going up, truckers , shipping , getting the food to the consumer, labor is down due to virus.. we work with what we can.

[JMintzer]

Dollar store is still full of one dollar items, so I'm good. :icon_wink: But yes lots of inflation since Covid.

The Dollar Store (or was it Dollar General?) just announced they are raising their prices by 25-50%... :icon_wink:

[JMintzer]

You mean a salary for being retired? :confused:

Not everyone who owns a home in TV is retired...Yet...

[Laker14]

The Dollar Store (or was it Dollar General?) just announced they are raising their prices by 25-50%... :icon_wink:

got a link for that?

[JMintzer]

got a link for that?

But of course...

Inflation's latest target: Dollar Tree - CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/29/business/dollar-tree-prices/index.html)

[thelegges]

Good financial planner is helpful. We grow most vegetables, and buy a hind quarter. Food and gas has never been our biggest expense. Travel runs about the same as living in TV, since we are using our own homes.

[vintageogauge]

My car is a diesel. Just filled it up. Price was withing 5 cent of the same price it has been for at least a year ($3.00 gallon). Everything else you listed above are supply chain issues which will sort themselves out. Stock market gurus (Not the radio/TV hacks) are not worried, either am I.

This is about those on a fixed income trying to make ends meet, nothing to do with market gurus worried or not. It doesn't matter if it's supply chain issues or not it is still hurting those on fixed incomes and it won't be over in the near future. Diesel was $2.39 one year ago not $3.00, that's about a 30% increase, gas is way, way higher than a year ago and we all know why that happened.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

YUM !! I want to eat at your house! If it's not a family secret, would you share your sister-in-law's sauce & lasagna recipe? And here's a round of applause for your resourcefulness & creativity. :clap2::clap2::clap2:

The recipe is not like baking - that's for darned sure! In true Italian Mom cooking tradition, it's a little of this, a handful of that, some of this, a couple of those, brown til it looks right, scrape up the stuff, simmer til it's a "good" consistency, maybe a couple or three hours...

But sure I'll put it in the food category of the forum.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Good financial planner is helpful. We grow most vegetables, and buy a hind quarter. Food and gas has never been our biggest expense. Travel runs about the same as living in TV, since we are using our own homes.

Home(s)...financial planner...

That's rich folk problems.

Us middle class fixed income folks don't need financial planners because we don't have enough invested in the first place. We can count just fine without one. We also do our own taxes. Standard deduction because we don't pay enough in taxes or spend enough in deductions to be eligible to itemize. And we own the home we live in, the end.

[Garywt]

I find that meat prices are up more than any other groceries. Some are double the price they use to be. In addition to just groceries, things like cars have gone way up if you can find a new car for sale. Most car dealer lots are empty.

We are in a different situation than many. I am retired and on disability with incurable cancer and my wife is still working. We have spent a good part of my 401k savings as I am living for the moment not knowing what my future will bring (winning the lottery would help, lol). When I am gone, my wife will get life insurance to live off. So that said we have our southern home, northern home, campers and a boat. We are surviving with the finances but it can be tight month to month. As my pension and disability is less than I use to make.

[Laker14]

The Dollar Store (or was it Dollar General?) just announced they are raising their prices by 25-50%... :icon_wink:

But of course...

Inflation's latest target: Dollar Tree - CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/29/business/dollar-tree-prices/index.html)

your post stating that they are "raising their prices by 25-50%" is inaccurate. They are not doing that.
If you read the link, they state they are now including more expensive items on their shelves. They are not charging 25-50% more for the same items, as your initial post claims.
thanks for the link.

[Laker14]

This is about those on a fixed income trying to make ends meet, nothing to do with market gurus worried or not. It doesn't matter if it's supply chain issues or not it is still hurting those on fixed incomes and it won't be over in the near future. Diesel was $2.39 one year ago not $3.00, that's about a 30% increase, gas is way, way higher than a year ago and we all know why that happened.

We are all old enough to have lived through the inflation of the late 1960s, 70s and 80s. What would make us think we were immune to this happening again?

Will we all be equally shocked when there is a very large drop in the stock market values? Current PE ratios of the S&P 500 have only been seen prior to large downturns in the past. Are we believing it's all different this time?

[manaboutown]

OUCH! It seems we are facing the Carter years on steroids! Buckle up, keep your head down, and so on.

[jamorela]

Last read a 6% increase in SS is coming up for everyone at the beginning of the year. We are all, working and being careful with our money. Still Plenty of people going out to dinner, entertainment, buying new cars, trips, so I don't think people are struggling as much as you think. Yes prices are going up, truckers , shipping , getting the food to the consumer, labor is down due to virus.. we work with what we can.

And I read, “Don’t count on 6%.”

[JeanC]

Dollar store is still full of one dollar items, so I'm good. :icon_wink: But yes lots of inflation since Covid.

The news said even they have to raise prices.

[Papa_lecki]

Dollar store is still full of one dollar items, so I'm good. :icon_wink: But yes lots of inflation since Covid.

Actually, inflation started skyrocketing in January 2021.

United States Inflation Rate | 2021 Data | 2022 Forecast | 1914-2020 Historical (https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/inflation-cpi)

[cathell62]

Well, you can thank everyone who voted to minimum wages to $15 per hour. There will always be a poverty line. With the passing of the minimum wage, the new poverty line is/will be $15 per hour since the cost of goods and services has gone up.
Wage earners will make more, however, every person will share in the cost of the rising prices of the goods and services we use: gas up over $.50, meat in the grocery stores up 20%, milk and eggs up 15% or more.
Unfortunately the news doesn't help the cause either. 'Turkey prices are on the rise as not enough turkeys or processing facilities are working with less staff will cause you to pay more at the store this year.' When the news reports this, what do you think will happen? Have you ever heard the news announcing that prices go down? I haven't.
Back to the issue, fixed income recipients will suffer the most as when you receive a cost of living increase, its amazing that the other fees almost offset the increase and lucky if you receive a net increase.
Other factors are insurance. For those that received 'free roofs'. We are now seeing the effect of prices increases in the annual premiums. Or large sum payments on auto insurance to 'victims'. Attorneys lead you to believe insurance companies have an unlimited pockets. Well in fact that is true, however, where is the unlimited pockets? The answer is you and me. We all pay for all the free roofs and huge settlements through price increases the insurance companies charge. Insurance is a pool of money to pay claims, when the pool is draining from claims paid out, it has to be refilled according to each state guidelines. We are the ones paying to refill the pool.
Only we all can help the draining in the pool by looking at the overall picture. In the short term, it may look good to you, however, in the long run, you will ultimately pay the burden of helping to refill the pool in paying higher premiums.

Have you notice how prices have sky rocketed lately?

Businesses looking for help.
Raising cost of Transportation.
Grocery's are going through the roof.

Headlines say inflation will get worse as supply's are harder to get.

How are you holding up in your retirement years if on fix income?

[thevillages2013]

Dollar store is still full of one dollar items, so I'm good. :icon_wink: But yes lots of inflation since Covid.
Television article on Dollar Tree stated that they can no longer sell all items in the store for $1 or less

[Jhnidy]

I don't really see it. There are supply chain issues with major ports backed up that will cause temporary price jumps. Like lumber earlier in the year - now ancient history.
2-4 % inflation is normal, we just have not seen it for a while because of the very accommodating fed.
Look for a nice hefty jump in your Social Security check starting in Jan as well.

Relax

My hefty jump will be eaten up by medicare costs.

[jdulej]

This is about those on a fixed income trying to make ends meet, nothing to do with market gurus worried or not. It doesn't matter if it's supply chain issues or not it is still hurting those on fixed incomes and it won't be over in the near future. Diesel was $2.39 one year ago not $3.00, that's about a 30% increase, gas is way, way higher than a year ago and we all know why that happened.

Okay, you caught my sloppy research on fuel prices. I was just thinking back and remembering $3.00 as far back as my memory went (which I guess was not very far). I looked at official charts for the past 20 years and the anomaly of 2020 really jumps out - Covid recession and no one driving tanked prices, so now they look horrible as they re-align with 2018, 2019 - going up but not drastically. This does not really seem "bad" to me, much as we would like prices to stay flat - people get paid more, Saudi Arabia needs more jet fighters, etc. so prices will go up.
I do feel for people on fixed incomes - we are sort of on one ourselves. But, that said, the 2020 Covid recession, at least for fuel, should have saved those folks some costs as well. That plus the "hand outs" of 5k or so (which were really just returning to you a portion of what you paid if you pay income tax) should have been tucked under the mattress of people who are that close to the edge.

[thevillages2013]

I'm not noticing that much of a difference. I use coupons when I remember to bring them with me, and I have a few "shopping reward apps" that give me points that I can trade in for store credits. But I've always done that. I also finally learned how to make my sister-in-law's sauce and lasagna. Sounds unrelated right? Well...
$50 in ingredients nets me:

Enough lasagna for two people for 3 nights of lasagna dinner, plus an extra lunch-sized serving or two.

AND

Enough sauce for 4 chicken parmesan dinners

AND

enough leftover meatballs, sausage, and sauce for 2 macaroni and meatball dinners PLUS 3 more sauces for two weeks worth of macaroni and meatball dinners/lunches or meatball subs.

The only thing extra I have to buy, is chicken cutlets, ground beef (on sale on Tuesdays at Fresh Market for $2.99/pound), a loaf of bread for the garlic bread, and a package of salad to last a few days' worth of meals.

Total additional cost might be $25. So $75 for almost two months' worth of lunches and dinners at least twice a week, for two people.
The Fresh Market went up to $3.99 a pound on ground Chuck. Still a deal though and some of the best you can buy

[Luggage]

What really gets my goat is that us SS recipients get a rate of inflation only after the year that we've had inflation. So we're always a year behind. This year my homeowner's policy went up 100%, but that does not count because it's not a national trend. So my entire raise in my check will be eating up by simply one thing homeowners insurance. It's bad enough when my 34-year-old child can't buy a home because prices went up a 100% where he lived literally 100%.

[Luggage]

I'm not making this political because it's the fault of the both the left and the right and we have inflation they have spent our money without any regard to the effect that it has on supply on demand by increasing the deficit every single year except one for the last 40 years. If we had a simple law that our Congress did not get paid if it's the balanced budget was in effect you would see how fast they would balance the budget. Inflation is a silent tax hike for us regular people

[thevillages2013]

Have you notice how prices have sky rocketed lately?

Businesses looking for help.
Raising cost of Transportation.
Grocery's are going through the roof.

Headlines say inflation will get worse as supply's are harder to get.

How are you holding up in your retirement years if on fix income?

With all the jobs available I don’t know maybe UNRETIRE!:bigbow:

[dewilson58]

Inflation is a silent tax hike for us regular people

& for us irregular peeps.

:1rotfl:

[Bay Kid]

Hold on to hat if the multi trillion $ bill is passed.

[rmd2]

Last read a 6% increase in SS is coming up for everyone at the beginning of the year. We are all, working and being careful with our money. Still Plenty of people going out to dinner, entertainment, buying new cars, trips, so I don't think people are struggling as much as you think. Yes prices are going up, truckers , shipping , getting the food to the consumer, labor is down due to virus.. we work with what we can.

Oh goodie. My social security will be going up from $92 to $97.52. That won't help me with 30% increases in food and gas.

[bowlingal]

Fresh Market ground beef is now $3.99/lb

[golfing eagles]

Oh goodie. My social security will be going up from $92 to $97.52. That won't help me with 30% increases in food and gas.

SS of $92---are you serious?????? Or is that $92/DAY???? ($2760/month)

[bowlingal]

you only get $92 a month SS? WOW how is that possible? hope you have another source of income. It should raise 6% this Jan...effective with your Dec check.

[rmd2]

SS of $92---are you serious?????? Or is that $92/DAY???? ($2760/month)

Yes, I am serious. My monthly check from Social Security is $92 a month!

[golfing eagles]

Yes, I am serious. My monthly check from Social Security is $92 a month!

Wow, sorry to hear that.

But the good news is that you have significant other sources of income/assets or you wouldn't be here. (Or did you work in government or a teacher's union that had SS exemption and their own retirement program, with a very limited prior work history for regular SS)

[crash]

Have you notice how prices have sky rocketed lately?

Businesses looking for help.
Raising cost of Transportation.
Grocery's are going through the roof.

Headlines say inflation will get worse as supply's are harder to get.

How are you holding up in your retirement years if on fix income?

My investment accounts are invested mostly in perpetual dividend raisers which mostly increase their dividend every year. This makes my income go up every year. This was something I set up when I turned 59.5 by taking my 401K and moving it to an IRA.

[My Daily Run]

My amenities went up $8.22 a month to $165.41 do to the increased inflation (CPI)...more than a new homeowner who starts at $164.00...still a deal but just saying

[DaleDivine]

My hefty jump will be eaten up by medicare costs.

AMEN!!!
:pray::pray:

[Skunky1]

The ones I really feel sorry for are the ones that only received $625 a month Social Security. No pension!

[rmd2]

Wow, sorry to hear that.

But the good news is that you have significant other sources of income/assets or you wouldn't be here. (Or did you work in government or a teacher's union that had SS exemption and their own retirement program, with a very limited prior work history for regular SS)

Not to worry. Yes I did work for the government and I do get a pension so I am fine but Congress cut federal employee's SS by 60% (but not for themselves) and they also take my health insurance out of that as well so I get only $92 a month from SS. So you can see the possible 6% increase on SS won't help me at all.

[birdawg]

all you people better wake up!!! 6$ a gal gas, 7.50 a gal milk, stock market will tank as well as housing. I just spent 116$ in aldi's for 70$ worth of groceries. That's what I paid last month for the same groceries. This will continue for the next 3 plus years.. hope everyone is happy in their rose colored glasses.. Some people will never admit to their mistakes even when it is staring them in their face

[Packer Fan]

I work as a supply chain director. If you don’t see it you are not buying anything. Inflation is here. Maybe if Washington passes the 3.5 trillion pork package it will go up even more. Anything with a raw material like steel or plastic is way up and if it comes from overseas it costs $18000 a container that used to cost $3000. The only way to fix this is Washington stop spending money and Raise interest rates at
Least 2-3%. Welcome back
To the 1970s

[MandoMan]

Have you notice how prices have sky rocketed lately?

Businesses looking for help.
Raising cost of Transportation.
Grocery's are going through the roof.

Headlines say inflation will get worse as supply's are harder to get.

How are you holding up in your retirement years if on fix income?

Prices go up and down for various reasons. For example, gas and oil have seasonal rises and falls, every year. That shouldn’t even be included as inflation. But they also respond to any supply problems. Remember those big storms in Texas and Louisiana last month, with Louisiana out of electricity for more than a week? That affects production and pipelines and trucking, so the petroleum companies raise prices at once. They’ll go back down soon. Regular seems to be about $2.99 a gallon, and it has been higher than that many times. Still, people keep on buying expensive SUVs and trucks that guzzle gas.

The tariffs against China and the belligerence have slowed down shipping. Plus, we’ve been buying a lot from China but selling them less, so there is a glut of shipping containers at U.S. docks that shippers don’t want to return to Asia empty. That makes shipping costs go up because companies pay more for shipping because they are desperate for products and parts. When shipping goes smoothly, it will be cheaper. That will affect food, too. This also affects the supply of computer chips, which is holding up lots of manufacturing. Companies respond by raising prices because people are willing to pay more for what they want.

Store and restaurant owners are trying to keep prices down, but they are having to pay workers more—and they deserve it! To some extent we have been eating cheaply for years by being willing to have workers underpaid. I’m willing to pay more to be fair to them.

The gigantic handouts we the government have made to the unemployed during the Covid epidemic averted a terrible depression by keeping people buying and so keeping people working. But it has in turn affected all sorts of things, and as it is continuing, it continues to affect them.

Many people in The Villages would receive a windfall far surpassing inflation if the current proposals to lower the Medicare age to 55 were to pass. People who retire at 62 would each save many thousands of dollars. The current proposals to have Medicare cover dental and vision costs would allow millions of us to get by on Medicare alone without some extra plan that costs several hundred a month. But those aren’t going to pass. The proposed changes letting Medicare negotiate pharmaceutical prices for the entire country, proposed by both the previous president and this one, could have saved everyone in the country needing prescription drugs hundreds to thousands per month, but many lawmakers are in the pockets of the drug companies, so that isn’t going to happen. In short, proposed legislation this year could have far outstripped inflation, but it won’t pass.

Don’t pay too much attention to inflation that is caused by temporary shortages, like gas and lumber and computer chips. These will resolve themselves soon enough.

[joseppe]

Have you notice how prices have sky rocketed lately?

Businesses looking for help.
Raising cost of Transportation.
Grocery's are going through the roof.

Headlines say inflation will get worse as supply's are harder to get.

How are you holding up in your retirement years if on fix income?

I just keep refinancing the house.

[Tomptomp]

Thanks Joe

[jdulej]

Oh goodie. My social security will be going up from $92 to $97.52. That won't help me with 30% increases in food and gas.

Check 2019 gas prices. Gas went up 30% because it went down 25% in 2020 due to the COVID recession. The price is just catching up. Might be the same for other things as well, but I have not (and will not) check

[jdulej]

Prices go up and down for various reasons. For example, gas and oil have seasonal rises and falls, every year. That shouldn’t even be included as inflation. But they also respond to any supply problems. Remember those big storms in Texas and Louisiana last month, with Louisiana out of electricity for more than a week? That affects production and pipelines and trucking, so the petroleum companies raise prices at once. They’ll go back down soon. Regular seems to be about $2.99 a gallon, and it has been higher than that many times. Still, people keep on buying expensive SUVs and trucks that guzzle gas.

The tariffs against China and the belligerence have slowed down shipping. Plus, we’ve been buying a lot from China but selling them less, so there is a glut of shipping containers at U.S. docks that shippers don’t want to return to Asia empty. That makes shipping costs go up because companies pay more for shipping because they are desperate for products and parts. When shipping goes smoothly, it will be cheaper. That will affect food, too. This also affects the supply of computer chips, which is holding up lots of manufacturing. Companies respond by raising prices because people are willing to pay more for what they want.

Store and restaurant owners are trying to keep prices down, but they are having to pay workers more—and they deserve it! To some extent we have been eating cheaply for years by being willing to have workers underpaid. I’m willing to pay more to be fair to them.

The gigantic handouts we the government have made to the unemployed during the Covid epidemic averted a terrible depression by keeping people buying and so keeping people working. But it has in turn affected all sorts of things, and as it is continuing, it continues to affect them.

Many people in The Villages would receive a windfall far surpassing inflation if the current proposals to lower the Medicare age to 55 were to pass. People who retire at 62 would each save many thousands of dollars. The current proposals to have Medicare cover dental and vision costs would allow millions of us to get by on Medicare alone without some extra plan that costs several hundred a month. But those aren’t going to pass. The proposed changes letting Medicare negotiate pharmaceutical prices for the entire country, proposed by both the previous president and this one, could have saved everyone in the country needing prescription drugs hundreds to thousands per month, but many lawmakers are in the pockets of the drug companies, so that isn’t going to happen. In short, proposed legislation this year could have far outstripped inflation, but it won’t pass.

Don’t pay too much attention to inflation that is caused by temporary shortages, like gas and lumber and computer chips. These will resolve themselves soon enough.

A good summary that goes along pretty much with my thoughts. I do hope that if the lowering of the medicare age happens (which I selfishly support having a wonderful but too young 58-year-old wife!:) , it does not mean lowering the ending ages for contributing to medicare. People working should contribute - period, IMO.

[La lamy]

Television article on Dollar Tree stated that they can no longer sell all items in the store for $1 or less

OH NOOOOO! But seriously I get it. Up north, Dollorama has hardly anything for just $1 now.

[jdulej]

No, it's quite accurate...

"The company said Tuesday that it will begin selling items at $1.25 and $1.50 at some locations for the first time..."

It also said, "It will also add $3 and $5 items to more stores, expanding on a prior strategy in recent years to move away from only offering goods for $1."

Maths is hard...

IMO you should not be buying most of the junk they sell anyway. Have you looked at where that $1.00 stuff is made? It ain't here.

[cj1040]

Have you notice how prices have sky rocketed lately?

Businesses looking for help.
Raising cost of Transportation.
Grocery's are going through the roof.

Headlines say inflation will get worse as supply's are harder to get.

How are you holding up in your retirement years if on fix income?

While we are financially set for our retirement having saved a lot and just closed our business in our early 70s - why did we wait so long ? - we cant help but notice the high price of groceries especially.
We just spent 3 months in NH and could get a WHOLE watermelon for $3 or less. At Publix a few slices or quarter of a melon are around $5. Crazy. Just returned a bag of rotten grapes that cost over $5 that I bought the day before...should have looked them over first. Store brand bread for 3.99 or more per loaf ??? I hate the buy 2 and get 1 because I usually only want ONE and then you have to pay more.
Prices are much higher here than they were in NH ---maybe due to captive audience ?
I think there is a bread store around here somewhere that I need to locate. Anyway I try to buy just what we need and like and will usel We have never thrown much food away - EVER.
Publix is expensive but very nice, I do go to Walmart on occasion and Aldis once in a while.
There are not as many food coupons out as there used to be...

[Dantes]

A lot more it’s just begun

[Susan1717]

Check all your scripts on GoodRx.com and compare costs to your own insurance. I’ve saved a ton using their coupons and not my own insurance.

[Al2014]

Dollar store is still full of one dollar items, so I'm good. :icon_wink: But yes lots of inflation since Covid.

Dollartree is great for small sizes, but they have been reducing the sizes or package count of those items. And yesterday they announced they will be having items at more than $1 soon.

[MrFlorida]

My advice would be to get a part time job if things aren't going well for you. Everybody is hiring, so it would not be a problem for most.

[tophcfa]

For this inflation problem to get under control our country needs two things. First, we need a real Chairman of the Federal Reserve, with a set of stones, like Paul Volcker. Second, our country needs to become fiscally responsible and stop deficit spending, and better yet, start paying down its deficit. Unfortunately, it is extremely doubtful either of these things will happen.

[jbrown132]

I'm not noticing that much of a difference. I use coupons when I remember to bring them with me, and I have a few "shopping reward apps" that give me points that I can trade in for store credits. But I've always done that. I also finally learned how to make my sister-in-law's sauce and lasagna. Sounds unrelated right? Well...
$50 in ingredients nets me:

Enough lasagna for two people for 3 nights of lasagna dinner, plus an extra lunch-sized serving or two.

AND

Enough sauce for 4 chicken parmesan dinners

AND

enough leftover meatballs, sausage, and sauce for 2 macaroni and meatball dinners PLUS 3 more sauces for two weeks worth of macaroni and meatball dinners/lunches or meatball subs.

The only thing extra I have to buy, is chicken cutlets, ground beef (on sale on Tuesdays at Fresh Market for $2.99/pound), a loaf of bread for the garlic bread, and a package of salad to last a few days' worth of meals.

Total additional cost might be $25. So $75 for almost two months' worth of lunches and dinners at least twice a week, for two people.
Been to the gas station lately?

[Boston1945]

Are you sure its going to result in buying a cow versus having a cow?

:boxing2:

Keep in mind one thing here. The Villages will not allow you to have a cow in your backyard. I may be wrong. (lol)

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

If you think inflation is bad now, wait until those two Bills for “infrastructure” pass the House & Senate. Hopefully they won’t. while expanding high speed internet to rural areas and a nationwide system of electric charging station is a tremendous lift for jobs now and a stronger future for us all , we sometimes forget that we should think about the greater good not just for us but for those who come behind us

[DOGSAREKEEPERS]

[QUOTE=OrangeBlossomBaby;2010945]I'm not noticing that much of a difference. I use coupons when I remember to bring them with me, and I have a few "shopping reward apps" that give me points that I can trade in for store credits. But I've always done that. I also finally learned how to make my sister-in-law's sauce and lasagna. Sounds unrelated right? Well...
$50 in ingredients nets me:


================================================== =====================You sound like my step mother. By the time she got through telling us what she had cooked with 1 chicken I thought she had recreated the LOAVES AND FISHES

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I’ve never been in a dollar store of any kind , but I can’t imagine anything but junk and the lower versions of good products, I understand there purpose for some people but for many 3rd rate versions of soaps lotions and whatever to save a buck and the complaining that somethings have been raised to $1.25 REALLY ???

[maistocars]

Have you notice how prices have sky rocketed lately?

Businesses looking for help.
Raising cost of Transportation.
Grocery's are going through the roof.

Headlines say inflation will get worse as supply's are harder to get.

How are you holding up in your retirement years if on fix income?
Until the Fed and government stop masquerading inflation as "temporary," things will only get worse. You can't pump trillions of $ into the money supply and not get inflation. Best to stock up on non-perishables at today's prices as it will only get worse.

[nick demis]

Dollar store is still full of one dollar items, so I'm good. :icon_wink: But yes lots of inflation since Covid.

The Dollar Store just announced that they will be raising their $1.00 priced items to $1.25 or more. That is a 20% increase. Time for people to believe their own eyes and not the orange person, Jen Saki.

[billethkid]

Regardless the increase in SS amount it is ALWAYS offset or more by increasing health insurance premiums and health care costs.

The increasing prices at the store? Maybe it will slow the panick buyers.

Some how we as a country figured out how to "manage" the needs of a population at 150,000,000 (in the past) to today's double or more.

Seems the news, social media, and our "representatives" prefer the fear mode of herding the masses!!

We as a people have proven over time to fare much better than the current gloom and doomers would have it!

[JMintzer]

The Dollar Store just announced that they will be raising their $1.00 priced items to $1.25 or more. That is a 20% increase. Time for people to believe their own eyes and not the orange person, Jen Saki.

25% increase... :icon_wink:

[JMintzer]

I’ve never been in a dollar store of any kind , but I can’t imagine anything but junk and the lower versions of good products, I understand there purpose for some people but for many 3rd rate versions of soaps lotions and whatever to save a buck and the complaining that somethings have been raised to $1.25 REALLY ???

Imagine harder... It's a great place to get 4 qt trash bags for the bathrooms (which I can never find elsewhere), giveaway tupperware, trinkets and pool toys for the grandkids...

[TNKYGAL]

YUM !! I want to eat at your house! If it's not a family secret, would you share your sister-in-law's sauce & lasagna recipe? And here's a round of applause for your resourcefulness & creativity. :clap2::clap2::clap2:

I'm not noticing that much of a difference. I use coupons when I remember to bring them with me, and I have a few "shopping reward apps" that give me points that I can trade in for store credits. But I've always done that. I also finally learned how to make my sister-in-law's sauce and lasagna. Sounds unrelated right? Well...
$50 in ingredients nets me:

Enough lasagna for two people for 3 nights of lasagna dinner, plus an extra lunch-sized serving or two.

AND

Enough sauce for 4 chicken parmesan dinners

AND

enough leftover meatballs, sausage, and sauce for 2 macaroni and meatball dinners PLUS 3 more sauces for two weeks worth of macaroni and meatball dinners/lunches or meatball subs.

The only thing extra I have to buy, is chicken cutlets, ground beef (on sale on Tuesdays at Fresh Market for $2.99/pound), a loaf of bread for the garlic bread, and a package of salad to last a few days' worth of meals.

Total additional cost might be $25. So $75 for almost two months' worth of lunches and dinners at least twice a week, for two people.

I add my applause and would also love to have the recipe!! Always looking for great Italian cooking recipes!:clap2:

[mydavid]

I don't think the average working family family of say 4 or 5 is worried about any of that, more like how they are going to feed them selves.

[mydavid]

Have you notice how prices have sky rocketed lately?

Businesses looking for help.
Raising cost of Transportation.
Grocery's are going through the roof.

Headlines say inflation will get worse as supply's are harder to get.

How are you holding up in your retirement years if on fix income? I live within a 5 to 15 minute golf ride to three different grocery's stores, my girlfriend insists on the store closest which is also the most costly, then complains she don't have any money. :ho:

[cbmerl]

Dollar store is still full of one dollar items, so I'm good. :icon_wink: But yes lots of inflation since Covid.

I heard on the news the other day that the Dollar Tree expects to raise their prices from $1. to $1.25 or $1.50! I do not know whether that is true but if it happens then that will definitely show us what inflation can do!!

[golfing eagles]

I live within a 5 to 15 minute golf ride to three different grocery's stores, my girlfriend insists on the store closest which is also the most costly, then complains she don't have any money. :ho:

And once there, you have to deal with this: (:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:)

[graciegirl]

[//

[Michael G.]

Imagine harder... It's a great place to get 4 qt trash bags for the bathrooms (which I can never find elsewhere), giveaway tupperware, trinkets and pool toys for the grandkids...

Yes, those stores hold more bargains then most people give credit for.
There are some items in small sizes that are ideal for "one time" use,
not like Sam's where you're force to buy quantity's to supply the whole neighborhood.

[Ewalsh43]

This all falls squarely at the feet of the current administration

[Two Bills]

Wife reckons that if things don't get better soon, the butler and the chauffeur will have to go.
We have already got rid of two of the gardeners!:icon_wink:

[dewilson58]

Wife reckons that if things don't get better soon, the butler and the chauffeur will have to go.
We have already got rid of two of the gardeners!:icon_wink:

How you're keeping the French Maid.

[Two Bills]

How you're keeping the French Maid.


Wife goes before her!!

[themarinos]

Dollar store is still full of one dollar items, so I'm good. :icon_wink: But yes lots of inflation since Covid.

The Dollar Tree is raising their prices beware !

Check it out !

[graciegirl]

Wife reckons that if things don't get better soon, the butler and the chauffeur will have to go.
We have already got rid of two of the gardeners!:icon_wink:

We are negotiating to sell our oldest grandchild.............sigh..............

[Johnsocat]

I don't really see it. There are supply chain issues with major ports backed up that will cause temporary price jumps. Like lumber earlier in the year - now ancient history.
2-4 % inflation is normal, we just have not seen it for a while because of the very accommodating fed.
Look for a nice hefty jump in your Social Security check starting in Jan as well.

Relax
2 years ago a 2x4x8 stud board was .98 now it is $3.48. I would not say the inflated construction costs are "ancient history".

[Two Bills]

We are negotiating to sell our oldest grandchild.............sigh..............

Our young grand daughter fetched a very good price in Saudi!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Imagine harder... It's a great place to get 4 qt trash bags for the bathrooms (which I can never find elsewhere), giveaway tupperware, trinkets and pool toys for the grandkids...and $1 toys ,sorry I still can’t imagine although I do save on those bathroom bags , the cleaning person who comes once a week brings her own

[jimjamuser]

Have you notice how prices have sky rocketed lately?

Businesses looking for help.
Raising cost of Transportation.
Grocery's are going through the roof.

Headlines say inflation will get worse as supply's are harder to get.

How are you holding up in your retirement years if on fix income?
But, on a positive note - if you have stocks, ETFs, or other forms of index investment - you are in LUCK - the Mr. Market is predicted to go UP, at least, until the end of the year (AKA EOY). But, never real guarantees!

[dewilson58]

and $1 toys ,sorry I still can’t imagine although I do save on those bathroom bags , the cleaning person who comes once a week brings her own

Someone else who has not fired their French Maid.

[thelegges]

Could just add to store name Dollar Store, and then some

[JMintzer]

Wife goes before her!!

I like a man with priorities!

[JMintzer]

and $1 toys ,sorry I still can’t imagine although I do save on those bathroom bags , the cleaning person who comes once a week brings her own

So you pay for her to supply the bags...

And $1.00 toys? I saw a couple leave with a basket full of coloring books, crayons, squirt guns, pool noodles, etc... It was obvious the grands were coming for a visit...

[JMintzer]

Someone else who has not fired their French Maid.

Been with me so long, I couldn't fire him/her/it?

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-nbjfio/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/5590/18888/742de3cf-85a0-42f1-b144-5fa613e35d75__83604.1552908868.jpg

[frose]

i have the receipts

[Ben Franklin]

If you look at economic charts they show that after recessions, inflation rears it's ugly head, but is generally short-lived, until the economy adjusts. People are spending a lot more this year, than they did in 2020. More travel, more car rentals, more hotels, more spending in general, and then there are the supply shortages caused by an extremely oversized cargo boat in the Panama canal and companies underestimating demand for their products and not having enough inventory to satisfy demand...

The Great Recession of 2007 saw a drop of 5.1% in GDP and the following year inflation hit 5.6% and last year the COVID recession saw a drop in GDP of 19.2%, and that's more than 3 times the 2007 figure. We hit 5.4% in June and July this year, and in August it dropped to 5.3%. So, unless the world collapses, I think we are heading down on the inflation rates, HOPEFULLY.

Historical Inflation Rates: 1914-2021 | US Inflation Calculator (https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/historical-inflation-rates/)

[Escape Artist]

Speaking of delays, just in time for the holidays as USPS announced not only higher postal rates, but slower delivery times to go with it! And one of the areas most likely to be affected is, you guessed it, Florida.

[nn0wheremann]

Have you notice how prices have sky rocketed lately?

Businesses looking for help.
Raising cost of Transportation.
Grocery's are going through the roof.

Headlines say inflation will get worse as supply's are harder to get.

How are you holding up in your retirement years if on fix income?
Florida minimum wage on October 1 just went to $10 from $8.65, a 15.6% increase. Adjust your tip accordingly, unless the service was exceptionally good, or you think you can afford a 20% tip.

Personally I wish restaurants would train their people properly, pay them well, charge an appropriate price, and eliminate tipping.

Publix discourages tipping its employees. No one would tip the guy at Ace hardware for taking you to aisle umpteen and showing you where the widgets are displayed. So why do we tip waitstaff?

[Escape Artist]

Florida minimum wage on October 1 just went to $10 from $8.65, a 15.6% increase. Adjust your tip accordingly, unless the service was exceptionally good, or you think you can afford a 20% tip.

Personally I wish restaurants would train their people properly, pay them well, charge an appropriate price, and eliminate tipping.

Publix discourages tipping its employees. No one would tip the guy at Ace hardware for taking you to aisle umpteen and showing you where the widgets are displayed. So why do we tip waitstaff?

Because they usually get minimum wage and they are on their feet all day having to wait on demanding customers in an often rushed, busy environment. Showing someone where an item is located is not the same kind of service as checking on an order, changing an order sometimes multiple times, making sure "hangry" customers have their needs met in a timely manner, asking to make sure everything is okay or do they need anything throughout the meal, refilling the coffee,tea/water, etc.

By the same token, raising minimum wage during an inflationary period usually leads to more inflation called a wage-price spiral. However, $10 is still low compared to the rest of the country.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Florida waitstaff minimum is $5.34
An hour but. It has to include at least $3.02 of tips. You think you’ve heard everything on here until you hear somebody else warning you to adjust your tip . I could say more but I’m speechless , I’m on my way to bonefish in an hour , I can’t even remember the last time I left only 20% but tonight after reading that I’m going to put out even more

[NoMoSno]

Florida waitstaff minimum is $5.34
An hour but. It has to include at least $3.02 of tips. You think you’ve heard everything on here until you hear somebody else warning you to adjust your tip . I could say more but I’m speechless , I’m on my way to bonefish in an hour , I can’t even remember the last time I left only 20% but tonight after reading that I’m going to put out even more
My Granddaughter makes $150-200 a night in tips waiting at Bonefish.

[JSR22]

Florida minimum wage on October 1 just went to $10 from $8.65, a 15.6% increase. Adjust your tip accordingly, unless the service was exceptionally good, or you think you can afford a 20% tip.

Personally I wish restaurants would train their people properly, pay them well, charge an appropriate price, and eliminate tipping.

Publix discourages tipping its employees. No one would tip the guy at Ace hardware for taking you to aisle umpteen and showing you where the widgets are displayed. So why do we tip waitstaff?
The wait staff does not make minimum wage. We always tip at least 25% and will continue.

[JSR22]

Florida waitstaff minimum is $5.34
An hour but. It has to include at least $3.02 of tips. You think you’ve heard everything on here until you hear somebody else warning you to adjust your tip . I could say more but I’m speechless , I’m on my way to bonefish in an hour , I can’t even remember the last time I left only 20% but tonight after reading that I’m going to put out even more

The cheapness makes me sick. We never tip under 25% and if the service is really good 35%.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Speaking of delays, just in time for the holidays as USPS announced not only higher postal rates, but slower delivery times to go with it! And one of the areas most likely to be affected is, you guessed it, Florida.

Higher postal rates for specific types of deliveries, yes. That is part of DeJoy's plan for saving money. Standard first class delivery will go from 1-2 days, to 2-4 days for long distance city of origin. Good luck to all you folks with mail-order prescription meds that come in from far away.

Send DeJoy a thank you letter. And maybe buy stock in XPO, a delivery service he has major shares in. Or UPS, or J.B. Hunt - he is a shareholder with millions invested in those too. The more the USPS suffers, the more the Postmaster General earns.

[JMintzer]

The cheapness makes me sick. We never tip under 25% and if the service is really good 35%.

What cheapness? Someone was simply pointing out that tipped employees make less because the government considers tips as part of their wages.

At the restaurant you mentioned, one poster's granddaughter makes $200/night in tips.

That's an additional $25/hour, based on an 8 hour shift... More, if they work less...

And I agree that tipping should be abolished. They should be paid more and not have to worry about tips. But guess what? Most servers don't want that to happen...

[lkagele]

A good summary that goes along pretty much with my thoughts. I do hope that if the lowering of the medicare age happens (which I selfishly support having a wonderful but too young 58-year-old wife!:) , it does not mean lowering the ending ages for contributing to medicare. People working should contribute - period, IMO.

Actually, it's not really a good summary. Yes, you can point to certain categories where inflation is due to unusual factors like supply chain issues. The real problem, however, is the government spends more than it brings in. The government issues debt (treasury bonds) and the Federal Reserve buys the government debt simply by printing money out of thin air.

Currently, the Fed is buying $120 billion worth of treasurers per month. The Fed does this by simply printing money with absolutely nothing to back those new dollars. So, with the addition of all those new dollars, the existing dollars are diluted resulting in an increase (inflation) in the cost of everything. $10 dollars used to buy one widget but now because of the artificially produced dollars, it take $11 dollars to buy that widget. As government excess continues, next month it will be $12.

The more government spends beyond what it takes in, the higher the inflation rate is going to be. If you think it's bad now, just wait until these political idiots pass the infrastructure bill. Think about this. How long would it be before you would have to declare bankruptcy if you spent 20 or 30% more each year than you made?

IMO, the best investments right now are gold, silver, canned goods and ammunition.

[Nick B]

all you people better wake up!!! 6$ a gal gas, 7.50 a gal milk, stock market will tank as well as housing. I just spent 116$ in aldi's for 70$ worth of groceries. That's what I paid last month for the same groceries. This will continue for the next 3 plus years.. hope everyone is happy in their rose colored glasses.
And one guy alone can fix it right?

[Nick B]

Florida waitstaff minimum is $5.34
An hour but. It has to include at least $3.02 of tips. You think you’ve heard everything on here until you hear somebody else warning you to adjust your tip . I could say more but I’m speechless , I’m on my way to bonefish in an hour , I can’t even remember the last time I left only 20% but tonight after reading that I’m going to put out even more
And the dope man thanks you.

[Laker14]

This all falls squarely at the feet of the current administration

JB hasn't had a chance to screw things up yet. The current problems are a delayed reaction to actions of previous administrations, one piggy-backed on another. We can go as far back as we like.
But, in case you forgot, let's just look at gas prices. Much of the increase we see lately seems worse when compared to the less than $2/gallon we were paying in April 2020, when COVID had pretty much stopped consumption.
As far as Presidential policy affecting gas prices from the supply side, don't forget that in April of 2020, the Russians and the Saudis were refusing to cut production, further exacerbating the oversupply, and the low prices.
President Trump stepped in and "brokered" (his word) a deal getting both parties to agree to cut production. He touted that as being "great for the American oil industry" and he was probably correct. But it did have an effect on what we pay at the pump.
In case we've forgotten, here's a link from that time.

Trump touts '''great''' Saudi-Russia oil deal to halt price rout, but details unclear | Reuters (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-oil-saudi-russia/trump-touts-great-saudi-russia-oil-deal-to-halt-price-rout-but-details-unclear-idUSKBN21K0EA)

[Bay Kid]

Actually, it's not really a good summary. Yes, you can point to certain categories where inflation is due to unusual factors like supply chain issues. The real problem, however, is the government spends more than it brings in. The government issues debt (treasury bonds) and the Federal Reserve buys the government debt simply by printing money out of thin air.

Currently, the Fed is buying $120 billion worth of treasurers per month. The Fed does this by simply printing money with absolutely nothing to back those new dollars. So, with the addition of all those new dollars, the existing dollars are diluted resulting in an increase (inflation) in the cost of everything. $10 dollars used to buy one widget but now because of the artificially produced dollars, it take $11 dollars to buy that widget. As government excess continues, next month it will be $12.

The more government spends beyond what it takes in, the higher the inflation rate is going to be. If you think it's bad now, just wait until these political idiots pass the infrastructure bill. Think about this. How long would it be before you would have to declare bankruptcy if you spent 20 or 30% more each year than you made?

IMO, the best investments right now are gold, silver, canned goods and ammunition.

They could care less what they do to the dollar. Making it all funny money.

[Laker14]

Imagine trying to deal with this inflation on a job paying the Federal Minimum Wage? Or even on a job paying the highest state minimum wage? Or a young married couple working two jobs at the highest state minimum wage?
When I heard someone bragging about the US having "The Greatest Economy in the History of the World" in one breath, but telling us we can't afford a $15/hour minimum wage in the next breath, it seems to me the message is "We have the Greatest Economy in the History of the World, and it's being carried on the backs of people making less than a living wage".

That doesn't seem like chest thumping material to me.

[thevillages2013]

Keep in mind one thing here. The Villages will not allow you to have a cow in your backyard. I may be wrong. (lol)

They don’t like zoysia anyway

[golfing eagles]

Imagine trying to deal with this inflation on a job paying the Federal Minimum Wage? Or even on a job paying the highest state minimum wage? Or a young married couple working two jobs at the highest state minimum wage?
When I heard someone bragging about the US having "The Greatest Economy in the History of the World" in one breath, but telling us we can't afford a $15/hour minimum wage in the next breath, it seems to me the message is "We have the Greatest Economy in the History of the World, and it's being carried on the backs of people making less than a living wage".

That doesn't seem like chest thumping material to me.

It should. Minimum wage/entry level jobs are not intended to "earn a living wage" or to be the sole support of a family. Traditionally they were jobs teenagers could pick up for some spending cash and to gain job experience. Then there were those that earned minimum wage by doing jobs no one else wanted, or because they lacked any skills or education that a "better" job required. Then there are those that are unemployable at any job----we support them as well.

Every society in history has had socioeconomic stratification. The fallacy of progressive thinking is that somehow everyone should earn equally, which is a joke. Salaries are generally determined by the level of responsibility a job requires, not just because you breathe the same air. And of course the corollary fallacy that a government can tax that concept into reality. Margaret Thatcher put it best---"you can't make the poor richer by making the the rich poorer". Or if you prefer, Jesus Christ-----"the poor, they shall always be amongst us"

Oh, and BTW----the economy is built on the backs of venture capitalists, mega-corporations and billionaires, not those "making less than a living wage". How many people do they employ? How many factories do they build? As usual, the progressive mentality has everything upside down and backwards.

[Luggage]

And if you went to aldi's the cost be 10 to $20 less! I find it incredible that some people still shop at Publix all the time or some of the other stores around here. I'm not saying everything is cheaper or better but for a lot of goods, Save-A-Lot and aldis, are much cheaper. Until covid 18 months ago, aldies was selling a dozen eggs for 58 cents! And their liquid egg whites was always a dollar a carton less than Publix. Fresh salmon at $7.79 compared to Publix sometimes 11.99.
The main problem with Aldi is that they have a very small selection of fresh fish, and few national brands as well as I have found almost no Chinese or some other ethnic products except for Spanish. They do have a great wine selection and a chocolate selection as well as an aisle of nuts . You do have to put a quarter in for a cart which you get back afterwards and you have to bring your own bags. Most vegetables and fruits are very good and very cheap as well, so if you really want to save money change your grocery store

[Luggage]

The funny thing is I have a rich brother and he has a living maid and house man, the gardeners come four times a week but I don't see why he needs them that often and yes he does not live in The villages but lives in Bel Air at the top of the mountain.

[Luggage]

That is not entirely true about printing money and inflation but it is a major cause. If you would actually track inflation you would see that it's sometimes is low even with large deficit spending. Just look at the last 20 years. I don't know how you would be able to explain the Carter years of presidency with 15% interest rates and high inflation compared to some of the Bush or Clinton years with low inflation but still high spending

[MandoMan]

Have you notice how prices have sky rocketed lately?

Businesses looking for help.
Raising cost of Transportation.
Grocery's are going through the roof.

Headlines say inflation will get worse as supply's are harder to get.

How are you holding up in your retirement years if on fix income?

I don’t ever shop at dollar stores, but I read an interesting article yesterday about how these chains are in trouble because they pay their employees so little that people don’t want to work there. Also, the Covid epidemic combined with tariffs against China has made transportation much slower from overseas and much more expensive. “Dollar Tree said it expected as much as $200 million in additional freight costs this year.” That either eats into profits, or they have to raise prices. Once the disease is under control, transportation costs will drop, but wages have been too low for a long time. Remember, if we pay workers enough so that they are no longer below the poverty line, we pay them less through government benefits. They may even pay some income tax instead of getting back more than they pay.

(‘Everything Going the Wrong Way’: Dollar Stores Hit a Pandemic Downturn
Their business model is being tested by worker burnout, pressure to raise wages, supply chain problems and growing local opposition.“ NYTimes, 1 Oct 2021)

[PJackpot]

I don't really see it. There are supply chain issues with major ports backed up that will cause temporary price jumps. Like lumber earlier in the year - now ancient history.
2-4 % inflation is normal, we just have not seen it for a while because of the very accommodating fed.
Look for a nice hefty jump in your Social Security check starting in Jan as well.

Relax

Better look again, friend. The current inflation rate is over 5%. When Trump left office it was 1.5%. You must also not have a need for gasoline if you haven’t noticed a substantial rise there.

[Cranford61]

I'm not noticing that much of a difference. I use coupons when I remember to bring them with me, and I have a few "shopping reward apps" that give me points that I can trade in for store credits. But I've always done that. I also finally learned how to make my sister-in-law's sauce and lasagna. Sounds unrelated right? Well...
$50 in ingredients nets me:

Enough lasagna for two people for 3 nights of lasagna dinner, plus an extra lunch-sized serving or two.

AND

Enough sauce for 4 chicken parmesan dinners

AND

enough leftover meatballs, sausage, and sauce for 2 macaroni and meatball dinners PLUS 3 more sauces for two weeks worth of macaroni and meatball dinners/lunches or meatball subs.

The only thing extra I have to buy, is chicken cutlets, ground beef (on sale on Tuesdays at Fresh Market for $2.99/pound), a loaf of bread for the garlic bread, and a package of salad to last a few days' worth of meals.

Total additional cost might be $25. So $75 for almost two months' worth of lunches and dinners at least twice a week, for two people.

Sounds monotonous…no mention if fresh vegetables

[deanjohnson]

Dollar store is going toDollar Tree+. So!

[tvbound]

Interesting. A thread purporting to be about inflation, but the obvious intention is to throw political stones. Not exactly original. LOL

[graciegirl]

Have you notice how prices have sky rocketed lately?

Businesses looking for help.
Raising cost of Transportation.
Grocery's are going through the roof.

Headlines say inflation will get worse as supply's are harder to get.

How are you holding up in your retirement years if on fix income?

If one has a fixed income in this inflation, I hope it is a HIGH fixed income, because if it is not, soon with prices soaring, some will NOT be able to afford to live here and will have to sell and move to a less expensive place to live; cheaper home and one without amenity fee.

THAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE.

If things get too expensive to pay the bills then the bills have to be reduced. We cannot live borrowing money forever like the Government does.

Or we will need to search for an illegal job like drug dealing or bank robbery. I read about that in the paper.

[jimbomaybe]

Imagine trying to deal with this inflation on a job paying the Federal Minimum Wage? Or even on a job paying the highest state minimum wage? Or a young married couple working two jobs at the highest state minimum wage?
When I heard someone bragging about the US having "The Greatest Economy in the History of the World" in one breath, but telling us we can't afford a $15/hour minimum wage in the next breath, it seems to me the message is "We have the Greatest Economy in the History of the World, and it's being carried on the backs of people making less than a living wage".

That doesn't seem like chest thumping material to me. The term "living wage" is just what, a single individual, a couple ,both working, a family of how many, at what level of life style ? working at a job that requires very little or no training or special education. People living in the national forest demonstrate just how low some people will sink to have the leisure of doing nothing. Hard work, common sense, personnel responsibility make you upwardly mobile. If someone or a COUPLE think they can live and raise a family and not have more to offer as an employee and not just scraping by at best, they are delusional.

[rmd2]

Until the Fed and government stop masquerading inflation as "temporary," things will only get worse. You can't pump trillions of $ into the money supply and not get inflation. Best to stock up on non-perishables at today's prices as it will only get worse.

Yes I think they stopped counting food, gas and housing (the big 3). They put in electronics and other non-essentials.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

What cheapness? Someone was simply pointing out that tipped employees make less because the government considers tips as part of their wages.

At the restaurant you mentioned, one poster's granddaughter makes $200/night in tips.

That's an additional $25/hour, based on an 8 hour shift... More, if they work less...

And I agree that tipping should be abolished. They should be paid more and not have to worry about tips. But guess what? Most servers don't want that to happen...what about the slow nights when that same server makes half that or the manager cuts there shifts or just gets rid of them for people he knows , did they get any shifts during Covid or how about when there child gets sick and they have to stay home and not get paid.and how many older servers do you see around in there late 40’s or 50’s and the bartenders male or female who don’t have a certain look anymore (like being old or not attractive)and out they go, this happens everywhere .I eat out mosts night wherever I am and I’m friends with many service people from what I have observed and the stories I’ve been told of all the places I’ve lived there more people here that undertip not a lot but more then I would have thought, I’m saying this from my own observations and from servers and bartenders that are just casual friends but also from some woman I have dated here.So I’ll go on being a sucker and over tip these people that are getting rich while I struggle along on my fixed income ,? Oh poor me I live in the villages , I don’t have to work , gas went up, milk is almost $10 a quart , I can’t go to Publix , hmmm I know where I can cutback I’ll go to a nice restaurant and when the bill comes do I’ll leave 10% because in the old day I worked for a dollar an hour

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

What cheapness? Someone was simply pointing out that tipped employees make less because the government considers tips as part of their wages.

At the restaurant you mentioned, one poster's granddaughter makes $200/night in tips.

That's an additional $25/hour, based on an 8 hour shift... More, if they work less...

And I agree that tipping should be abolished. They should be paid more and not have to worry about tips. But guess what? Most servers don't want that to happen...what about the slow nights when that same server makes half that or the manager cuts there shifts or just gets rid of them for people he knows , did they get any shifts during Covid or how about when there child gets sick and they have to stay home and not get paid.and how many older servers do you see around in there late 40’s or 50’s and the bartenders male or female who don’t have a certain look anymore (like being old or not attractive)and out they go, this happens everywhere .I eat out mosts night wherever I am and I’m friends with many service people from what I have observed and the stories I’ve been told of all the places I’ve lived there more people here that undertip not a lot but more then I would have thought, I’m saying this from my own observations and from servers and bartenders that are just casual friends but also from some woman I have dated here.So I’ll go on being a sucker and over tip these people that are getting rich while I struggle along on my fixed income ,? Oh poor me I live in the villages , I don’t have to work , gas went up, milk is almost $10 a quart , I can’t go to Publix , hmmm I know where I can cutback I’ll go to a nice restaurant and when the bill comes do I’ll leave 10% because in the old day I worked for a dollar an hour

[tophcfa]

Actually, it's not really a good summary. Yes, you can point to certain categories where inflation is due to unusual factors like supply chain issues. The real problem, however, is the government spends more than it brings in. The government issues debt (treasury bonds) and the Federal Reserve buys the government debt simply by printing money out of thin air.

Currently, the Fed is buying $120 billion worth of treasurers per month. The Fed does this by simply printing money with absolutely nothing to back those new dollars. So, with the addition of all those new dollars, the existing dollars are diluted resulting in an increase (inflation) in the cost of everything. $10 dollars used to buy one widget but now because of the artificially produced dollars, it take $11 dollars to buy that widget. As government excess continues, next month it will be $12.

The more government spends beyond what it takes in, the higher the inflation rate is going to be. If you think it's bad now, just wait until these political idiots pass the infrastructure bill. Think about this. How long would it be before you would have to declare bankruptcy if you spent 20 or 30% more each year than you made?

IMO, the best investments right now are gold, silver, canned goods and ammunition.

Good to see that somebody gets just how fiscally irresponsible the Federal Reserve has been for many years running. Their actions were eventually going to hit the fan.

[tophcfa]

That is not entirely true about printing money and inflation but it is a major cause. If you would actually track inflation you would see that it's sometimes is low even with large deficit spending. Just look at the last 20 years. I don't know how you would be able to explain the Carter years of presidency with 15% interest rates and high inflation compared to some of the Bush or Clinton years with low inflation but still high spending

The cause and effects are not instantaneous, there is a significant lag effect that is now starting to come to fruition. Buckle up.

[KAM+6]

what about the slow nights when that same server makes half that or the manager cuts there shifts or just gets rid of them for people he knows , did they get any shifts during Covid or how about when there child gets sick and they have to stay home and not get paid.and how many older servers do you see around in there late 40’s or 50’s and the bartenders male or female who don’t have a certain look anymore (like being old or not attractive)and out they go, this happens everywhere .I eat out mosts night wherever I am and I’m friends with many service people from what I have observed and the stories I’ve been told of all the places I’ve lived there more people here that undertip not a lot but more then I would have thought, I’m saying this from my own observations and from servers and bartenders that are just casual friends but also from some woman I have dated here.So I’ll go on being a sucker and over tip these people that are getting rich while I struggle along on my fixed income ,? Oh poor me I live in the villages , I don’t have to work , gas went up, milk is almost $10 a quart , I can’t go to Publix , hmmm I know where I can cutback I’ll go to a nice restaurant and when the bill comes do I’ll leave 10% because in the old day I worked for a dollar an hour

Plus, wait staff get NO benefits, especially health insurance. Also ,the $200 tips was occasionally ,but many nights it only a fraction of that. Been there.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

And if you went to aldi's the cost be 10 to $20 less! I find it incredible that some people still shop at Publix all the time or some of the other stores around here. I'm not saying everything is cheaper or better but for a lot of goods, Save-A-Lot and aldis, are much cheaper. Until covid 18 months ago, aldies was selling a dozen eggs for 58 cents! And their liquid egg whites was always a dollar a carton less than Publix. Fresh salmon at $7.79 compared to Publix sometimes 11.99.
The main problem with Aldi is that they have a very small selection of fresh fish, and few national brands as well as I have found almost no Chinese or some other ethnic products except for Spanish. They do have a great wine selection and a chocolate selection as well as an aisle of nuts . You do have to put a quarter in for a cart which you get back afterwards and you have to bring your own bags. Most vegetables and fruits are very good and very cheap as well, so if you really want to save money change your grocery store incredible that people still shop at Publix , maybe they like it there and I see young families as well as retirees shopping there maybe they like it for the well run store and the quantity of products and that if something isn’t there the manager will get it , or maybe they just don’t want to stick a quarter in the cart machine and come back to get it or bring there own germ filled bags that I think most use over and over , This thread seems to be all about everyone is suffering but it doesn’t feel that way to me , we’ve had inflation before and the prophets of doom banged the drum that this surly was close to the end well it wasn’t and it won’t be this time either

[Two Bills]

Better look again, friend. The current inflation rate is over 5%. When Trump left office it was 1.5%. You must also not have a need for gasoline if you haven’t noticed a substantial rise there.

Governments do not set gas prices.
Demand, and how much comes out of the ground decides what a gallon costs.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

98% of debt was on the books in January didn’t anyone think that rates would go up and that many had a pent up urge to spend and hit the road again or to just go to mall again or fly home to see relatives they hadn’t seen in 2 years or that business would want to try and get back some of the money they lost during Covid ????

[Aces4]

incredible that people still shop at Publix , maybe they like it there and I see young families as well as retirees shopping there maybe they like it for the well run store and the quantity of products and that if something isn’t there the manager will get it , or maybe they just don’t want to stick a quarter in the cart machine and come back to get it or bring there own germ filled bags that I think most use over and over , This thread seems to be all about everyone is suffering but it doesn’t feel that way to me , we’ve had inflation before and the prophets of doom banged the drum that this surly was close to the end well it wasn’t and it won’t be this time either


If people are as old as they claim they are, they must know this time the inflation is different.

Keeping artificial crap interest rates on investments to push money into the over-leveraged, over valued market has caused this catastrophe. There is debt in this country that is out of control due to our government, right or left and not making this political.

Anyone with financial savvy can see what’s happened and going down won’t be pretty. I wonder if Nero is still fiddling?

[Stu from NYC]

Governments do not set gas prices.
Demand, and how much comes out of the ground decides what a gallon costs.

Not totally correct. When govt takes action to restrict supply (pipeline project that was cancelled for example) prices will rise as a result.

[jimbomaybe]

It should. Minimum wage/entry level jobs are not intended to "earn a living wage" or to be the sole support of a family. Traditionally they were jobs teenagers could pick up for some spending cash and to gain job experience. Then there were those that earned minimum wage by doing jobs no one else wanted, or because they lacked any skills or education that a "better" job required. Then there are those that are unemployable at any job----we support them as well.

Every society in history has had socioeconomic stratification. The fallacy of progressive thinking is that somehow everyone should earn equally, which is a joke. Salaries are generally determined by the level of responsibility a job requires, not just because you breathe the same air. And of course the corollary fallacy that a government can tax that concept into reality. Margaret Thatcher put it best---"you can't make the poor richer by making the the rich poorer". Or if you prefer, Jesus Christ-----"the poor, they shall always be amongst us"

Oh, and BTW----the economy is built on the backs of venture capitalists, mega-corporations and billionaires, not those "making less than a living wage". How many people do they employ? How many factories do they build? As usual, the progressive mentality has everything upside down and backwards. I don't think many appreciate "productivity" that being the reason for our standard of living. Make Bill Gates and Steve Jobs the poster boys of the digital age, (sure many others have also contributed) the productivity of the computer, internet has made the use of goods and basic materials much more efficient as it has all manor of the use of labor itself, Good ol Bill and Steve made Amazon possible , delivering goods right to your door, several business entities bidding on your patronage, Bill , Steve and Bezos are fabulously wealthy but compared to what they have saved others they got "Chump Change" When you get promoted or find a better job you become a bigger part of the effort to make thing work efficiently, you become more PRODUCTIVE and earn more, paying people more for the same work is non productive, inflationary.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

No one said it’s not a problem and there will be some problems ahead well I am the age I say I am and your welcome to see my birth certificate for $100 the blame that it’s all happening in a year is ridiculous , where we’re all the gloom and doom people last year and I remember all the tough times but I never remember a plague in my lifetime which called for more spending by both guys to help things get better , we should stop just thinking of ourselves and worry about those who come after us a little when my father was getting beat on Union picket lines all over USA in the 1930’s he was asked many times why he did it and it wasn’t helping him , he always said it was for the greater good not just for him but those who came after him

[jimbomaybe]

Governments do not set gas prices.
Demand, and how much comes out of the ground decides what a gallon costs.
Sure supply and demand play a part, but the point is that our government cause prices to rise by the policies they take, it raises all costs of production and delivery as well as material assets such as oil in the ground

[graciegirl]

The cheapness makes me sick. We never tip under 25% and if the service is really good 35%.

I think most of us folks give 20%, or at least I THOUGHT others did. We all know how servers earn their money. I don't base it ever on the level of service, I just think about standing on their feet and being polite to folks who often are not polite to them...but...that said........

I think the thrust of this thread is that some will have to cut back and eat at home if their fixed income is not going to keep up with current much higher prices in restaurants and everywhere.

[Koapaka]

I had my first job at 14 years of age....during the summer, working the lunch rush at a local diner. They only hired 3 of us that young because they had a huge lunch stampede to keep happy with quick service, so several of us got on for a 3 hour shift, M-F. $.25 per hour and tips.

NOONE ever considered it a "living wage" because it was a starter job. I took the hours they were "willing" to give me, and was grateful. Then, moved on to the next job and increased salary once I was old enough to drive before graduating HS. I did not get sent to college. Nope, back then, the attitude was that most women would get married and stay home with kids, so why bother.

Worked for a while realizing I wanted more in life, so put myself through school.

Bottom line here is that there are FAR more opportunities in this current atmosphere (COVID) than there were anytime in my memory because lots of folks don't WANT to work. If you choose to settle for a "entry" job, expect entry wages. If you go to grad school, expect to make significantly more. YOU DRIVE YOUR OWN TRAIN, SO SELECT THE COURSE YOU TAKE.

Each person has to decide for themselves....we have one of our kids that is a total minimalist. Wants for nothing, except enough to get by and all the free time to do what he enjoys doing outdoors at his disposal. His choice, but he is very happy with it. He NEEDS a job he enjoys that allows all the flexibility he has, so he is totally content (and totally self sufficient).

His sister is driven, constantly looking to upgrade that ring from brass, to gold. She is happy. She is able to meet the challenges she sets for herself goal wise both in timeline and satisfaction. Truth be told, her brother is wicked smart, but to him, free time and enjoying life is far more valuable than possessions. She is the exact opposite, always excited about her next accomplishment career wise.

We are just thrilled our kids are HAPPY and CONTENT. Too many people these days don't seem to know what they want, and find themselves very discontent with everything, regardless of income level. Really sad part is they don't want to take responsibility for their position in life when less than satisfied (which is the ONLY way they might be able to see the change they seem to want), so throw the victim card as the cause of all their problems. A goal without a plan is a dream.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

If people are as old as they claim they are, they must know this time the inflation is different.

Keeping artificial crap interest rates on investments to push money into the over-leveraged, over valued market has caused this catastrophe. There is debt in this country that is out of control due to our government, right or left and not making this political.

Anyone with financial savvy can see what’s happened and going down won’t be pretty. I wonder if Nero is still fiddling?rates were 16.63 and stayed there and we all survived, and I’m sure no one blamed Ronnie for it either

[Nucky]

It is my lives experience that them that have the mostest, cry the mostest. :1rotfl:

To answer the OP it is impossible to fully and clearly answer your entire post because it is against the rules of our Forum. There is always a way to make it. ALWAYS!

[golfing eagles]

rates were 16.63 and stayed there and we all survived, and I’m sure no one blamed Ronnie for it either

You spelled J-I-M-M-Y wrong

[Aces4]

rates were 16.63 and stayed there and we all survived, and I’m sure no one blamed Ronnie for it either

There you go, interest rates where they needed to be. We paid 17% for one year and that’s what it took for our economy. It corrected when things improved but that isn’t happening anymore from either party. You made my point.

Get ready for UBI people, it’s coming.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Yes let’s choke the economy send us into a recession before we even come back from Covid , no one buys homes , cars , people who work getting eaten up with gas bill what do we care we still get a check and a cola ands it’s a whole different economy then it was back then but you know let’s wish Herbert Hoover was President again the good old days

[Aces4]

Yes let’s choke the economy send us into a recession before we even come back from Covid , no one buys homes , cars , people who work getting eaten up with gas bill what do we care we still get a check and a cola ands it’s a whole different economy then it was back then but you know let’s wish Herbert Hoover was President again the good old days

The economy is coking, gagging and gasping. You realize the American economy includes the national debt which is out of control and I blame both parties so this isn’t political. It’s the health of our nation but people can’t see the big picture.:ohdear:

[JMintzer]

what about the slow nights when that same server makes half that or the manager cuts there shifts or just gets rid of them for people he knows , did they get any shifts during Covid or how about when there child gets sick and they have to stay home and not get paid.and how many older servers do you see around in there late 40’s or 50’s and the bartenders male or female who don’t have a certain look anymore (like being old or not attractive)and out they go, this happens everywhere .I eat out mosts night wherever I am and I’m friends with many service people from what I have observed and the stories I’ve been told of all the places I’ve lived there more people here that undertip not a lot but more then I would have thought, I’m saying this from my own observations and from servers and bartenders that are just casual friends but also from some woman I have dated here.So I’ll go on being a sucker and over tip these people that are getting rich while I struggle along on my fixed income ,? Oh poor me I live in the villages , I don’t have to work , gas went up, milk is almost $10 a quart , I can’t go to Publix , hmmm I know where I can cutback I’ll go to a nice restaurant and when the bill comes do I’ll leave 10% because in the old day I worked for a dollar an hour

Don't know why you responded to me, because I never tried to push any of those points...

But sure, rant away...

[JMintzer]

Governments do not set gas prices.
Demand, and how much comes out of the ground decides what a gallon costs.

Governments set policy which most certainly effects gas prices...

[JMintzer]

No one said it’s not a problem and there will be some problems ahead well I am the age I say I am and your welcome to see my birth certificate for $100 the blame that it’s all happening in a year is ridiculous , where we’re all the gloom and doom people last year and I remember all the tough times but I never remember a plague in my lifetime which called for more spending by both guys to help things get better , we should stop just thinking of ourselves and worry about those who come after us a little when my father was getting beat on Union picket lines all over USA in the 1930’s he was asked many times why he did it and it wasn’t helping him , he always said it was for the greater good not just for him but those who came after him

How's the view from up on that high horse?

[jimjamuser]

Actually, it's not really a good summary. Yes, you can point to certain categories where inflation is due to unusual factors like supply chain issues. The real problem, however, is the government spends more than it brings in. The government issues debt (treasury bonds) and the Federal Reserve buys the government debt simply by printing money out of thin air.

Currently, the Fed is buying $120 billion worth of treasurers per month. The Fed does this by simply printing money with absolutely nothing to back those new dollars. So, with the addition of all those new dollars, the existing dollars are diluted resulting in an increase (inflation) in the cost of everything. $10 dollars used to buy one widget but now because of the artificially produced dollars, it take $11 dollars to buy that widget. As government excess continues, next month it will be $12.

The more government spends beyond what it takes in, the higher the inflation rate is going to be. If you think it's bad now, just wait until these political idiots pass the infrastructure bill. Think about this. How long would it be before you would have to declare bankruptcy if you spent 20 or 30% more each year than you made?

IMO, the best investments right now are gold, silver, canned goods and ammunition.
...... I think that a little research would quickly show which series of years produced the most National Debt. It might be a surprise. And while doing that - another good - "look up" would be which series of years produced the greatest year-over-year increases in GNP. That's Gross National Product for those that NEVER watch the financial shows like fast money.

[JMintzer]

rates were 16.63 and stayed there and we all survived, and I’m sure no one blamed Ronnie for it either

Wrong, as usual...


1976 4.9% 4.75% Expansion (5.4%)

Carter elected

1977 6.7% 6.50% Expansion (4.6%)
1978 9.0% 10.00% Expansion (5.5%)
1979 13.3% 12.00% Expansion (3.2%)
1980 12.5% 18.00% Jan. peak (-0.3%) Recession

Reagan elected

1981 8.9% 12.00% July trough (2.5%) Reagan tax cut
1982 3.8% 8.50% November (-1.8%) Recession ended
1983 3.8% 9.25% Expansion (4.6%) Military spending
1984 3.9% 8.25% Expansion (7.2%)

[JMintzer]

There you go, interest rates where they needed to be. We paid 17% for one year and that’s what it took for our economy. It corrected when things improved but that isn’t happening anymore from either party. You made my point.

Get ready for UBI people, it’s coming.

You forgot about the tax cuts that were passed...

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Wrong, as usual...


1976 4.9% 4.75% Expansion (5.4%)

Carter elected

1977 6.7% 6.50% Expansion (4.6%)
1978 9.0% 10.00% Expansion (5.5%)
1979 13.3% 12.00% Expansion (3.2%)
1980 12.5% 18.00% Jan. peak (-0.3%) Recession

Reagan elected

1981 8.9% 12.00% July trough (2.5%) Reagan tax cut
1982 3.8% 8.50% November (-1.8%) Recession ended
1983 3.8% 9.25% Expansion (4.6%) Military spending
1984 3.9% 8.25% Expansion (7.2%) year had highest interest rate and what it went to and it comes up 16..33 I don’t know where you were in the 80’s but they stayed pretty high that whole decade and Ronnie left with one big deficit

[IMPidd]

Why is this happening? Has the been any MAJOR change in the Country in past 12 months? Something MUST have changed?

[jimjamuser]

Florida minimum wage on October 1 just went to $10 from $8.65, a 15.6% increase. Adjust your tip accordingly, unless the service was exceptionally good, or you think you can afford a 20% tip.

Personally I wish restaurants would train their people properly, pay them well, charge an appropriate price, and eliminate tipping.

Publix discourages tipping its employees. No one would tip the guy at Ace hardware for taking you to aisle umpteen and showing you where the widgets are displayed. So why do we tip waitstaff?
I agree with that, tipping is subjective and not scientific or logical. Seems to me like a holdover from some dark ages where Kings and Queens gave out pittances to their starving and begging slave/ serfs. A time when serf was NOT up!

[JMintzer]

year had highest interest rate and what it went to and it comes up 16..33 I don’t know where you were in the 80’s but they stayed pretty high that whole decade and Ronnie left with one big deficit

You spelled "Jimmy" wrong... "Ronnie" caused it to go down, even with his Cold War spending that crushed the former Soviet Union...

[jimjamuser]

Florida waitstaff minimum is $5.34
An hour but. It has to include at least $3.02 of tips. You think you’ve heard everything on here until you hear somebody else warning you to adjust your tip . I could say more but I’m speechless , I’m on my way to bonefish in an hour , I can’t even remember the last time I left only 20% but tonight after reading that I’m going to put out even more
A better man than I Charlie Brown.

[jimjamuser]

And one guy alone can fix it right?
The stock market is predicted by MOST experts to go up to, at least, the end of year (EOY).

[jimjamuser]

Imagine trying to deal with this inflation on a job paying the Federal Minimum Wage? Or even on a job paying the highest state minimum wage? Or a young married couple working two jobs at the highest state minimum wage?
When I heard someone bragging about the US having "The Greatest Economy in the History of the World" in one breath, but telling us we can't afford a $15/hour minimum wage in the next breath, it seems to me the message is "We have the Greatest Economy in the History of the World, and it's being carried on the backs of people making less than a living wage".

That doesn't seem like chest thumping material to me.
Great post!

[jimjamuser]

If people are as old as they claim they are, they must know this time the inflation is different.

Keeping artificial crap interest rates on investments to push money into the over-leveraged, over valued market has caused this catastrophe. There is debt in this country that is out of control due to our government, right or left and not making this political.

Anyone with financial savvy can see what’s happened and going down won’t be pretty. I wonder if Nero is still fiddling?
I wonder if it is possible for ordinary TV Landers to know more than the FED? Anyway, the FED does not REALLY CONTROL either the economy or interest rates - they are just ONE factor out of hundreds of factors. The FED only massages / nudges interest rates. That IS why, basically, NO ONE can predict the direction of the economy or market with even close to 100% accuracy. Even Warren Buffet does NOT make that claim!

[Koapaka]

Actually it stands for Gross DOMESTIC Product....but we knew what you meant. ;)

[Koapaka]

I wonder if it is possible for ordinary TV Landers to know more than the FED? Anyway, the FED does not REALLY CONTROL either the economy or interest rates - they are just ONE factor out of hundreds of factors. The FED only massages / nudges interest rates. That IS why, basically, NO ONE can predict the direction of the economy or market with even close to 100% accuracy. Even Warren Buffet does NOT make that claim!

After Janet Yellen said we should remove the debt ceiling this week, YES, YES I do think there are a LOT of people that know better. WE have the sense to realize they are making BAD financial decisions with OUR taxes. They are making decisions that will leave our grandkids and their grandkids in a world of hurt. They KNOW better, but obviously have an agenda. Funny how they worry about "future generations" when it comes to "saving the planet" and everything green....but seem to have no problem going scorched earth on the economy. At some point we need to quit asking who can pay more taxes and focus on where the hell all our money is going.

[GrumpyOldMan]

"most of us live on fixed income, its called a salary. . . "

I don't remember where I heard this from a long time ago, but its true

No, it's not true, salaried employees are able to look forward to raises, or to changing jobs and getting a pay bump.

People living on SS have no say in what they will be making next year. And people living on portfolios are getting nervous, the 4% rule is looking a bit shakey right now. People with enough to not think they need to worry probably should worry. We will see. I think things are gonna get worse before they get better.

[jimjamuser]

I don't think many appreciate "productivity" that being the reason for our standard of living. Make Bill Gates and Steve Jobs the poster boys of the digital age, (sure many others have also contributed) the productivity of the computer, internet has made the use of goods and basic materials much more efficient as it has all manor of the use of labor itself, Good ol Bill and Steve made Amazon possible , delivering goods right to your door, several business entities bidding on your patronage, Bill , Steve and Bezos are fabulously wealthy but compared to what they have saved others they got "Chump Change" When you get promoted or find a better job you become a bigger part of the effort to make thing work efficiently, you become more PRODUCTIVE and earn more, paying people more for the same work is non productive, inflationary.
That post IS very good and the one being replied to is also. That original one (don't know the number) made this statement. " Every society in history has had socioeconomic stratification."I assume that it is true for MODERN societies based on western philosophy. But if I remember my anthropology class correctly (been a very long time), there were several tribes in rain forests that before western contact were known to share all resources equally. I should Google that for BOTH modern and pre-modern man. Be that as it may, about the subsequent post.....
...... Yes, productivity HAS been increased big-time because of computers and ROBOTICS (and A.I. will be an even greater force). The question becomes, what is the ULTIMATE goal of a society? Is the measurement yardstick TOTAL GNP (or GNP per person)? Might (?) the better goal be overall "quality of life" for ALL its citizens. That goal may never be 100% attainable - but better to try than just give up and say, not possible!
.......I know for a fact that several European countries have "life quality" better than the US. In fact, the US is decreasing in THAT MEASURE! There are several measures of a counties success - and tables can be found comparing the US with worldwide countries. WE are NOT the ONLY country and we do NOT have all the answers!

[GrumpyOldMan]

Every society in history has had socioeconomic stratification. The fallacy of progressive thinking is that somehow everyone should earn equally, which is a joke.

Being a progressive, I take exception to this gross generalization. Progressives do NOT believe that. They believe that the richest country in the world should have no poor. There is a difference. The richest country in the world should not have people working 3 jobs and not able to afford medicine for their children. And on and on. I could toss out a gross generalization that conservatives believe if you can't feed yourself you should just starve to death and make room for people that work harder and make better decisions. Like every person who declared bankruptcy because of medical bills is guilty of not being a rugged individual, and should just die and get it over with.

[jimjamuser]

The term "living wage" is just what, a single individual, a couple ,both working, a family of how many, at what level of life style ? working at a job that requires very little or no training or special education. People living in the national forest demonstrate just how low some people will sink to have the leisure of doing nothing. Hard work, common sense, personnel responsibility make you upwardly mobile. If someone or a COUPLE think they can live and raise a family and not have more to offer as an employee and not just scraping by at best, they are delusional.
People today have some additional problems that wear on their attitudes about hard work. Perhaps, for example, eventually ending up in a tent in a national forest. One problem is drugs and the criminalization philosophy rather than a rehabilitation philosophy. Our generation grew up largely being able to avoid drugs - some were not even available then (fentanyl)! Another problem is that a family needs a stable roof over their heads and the biggest expense in life is a home. part of the housing problem is caused by successful people who want to disassociate themselves from the less fortunate and less successful people. Ths successful people say, "I have mine and you can't take it away". For them to keep their distance, they adopt ZONING LAWS to keep out the riff-raff! Thus, a simple small, MICRO house for a starter family is NOT available - really anywhere. ZONING LAWS are like KEEP OUT signs - they work! Just some food for thought.

[jimjamuser]

No one said it’s not a problem and there will be some problems ahead well I am the age I say I am and your welcome to see my birth certificate for $100 the blame that it’s all happening in a year is ridiculous , where we’re all the gloom and doom people last year and I remember all the tough times but I never remember a plague in my lifetime which called for more spending by both guys to help things get better , we should stop just thinking of ourselves and worry about those who come after us a little when my father was getting beat on Union picket lines all over USA in the 1930’s he was asked many times why he did it and it wasn’t helping him , he always said it was for the greater good not just for him but those who came after him
Good post about a father that has REAL empathy for his fellow man!

[jimjamuser]

Sure supply and demand play a part, but the point is that our government cause prices to rise by the policies they take, it raises all costs of production and delivery as well as material assets such as oil in the ground
The government does NOT control prices - prices are controlled by the "invisible hand of the economy".

[jimjamuser]

I think most of us folks give 20%, or at least I THOUGHT others did. We all know how servers earn their money. I don't base it ever on the level of service, I just think about standing on their feet and being polite to folks who often are not polite to them...but...that said........

I think the thrust of this thread is that some will have to cut back and eat at home if their fixed income is not going to keep up with current much higher prices in restaurants and everywhere.
This is NOT the 1st post about "tipping " habits. TV Land, apparently, is addicted to restaurants. My tipping habit consists of COW TIPPING...............practically an Olympic sport in many parts of the country!

[JMintzer]

No, it's not true, salaried employees are able to look forward to raises, or to changing jobs and getting a pay bump.

People living on SS have no say in what they will be making next year. And people living on portfolios are getting nervous, the 4% rule is looking a bit shakey right now. People with enough to not think they need to worry probably should worry. We will see. I think things are gonna get worse before they get better.

Looking forward to raises doesn't mean it's gonna' happen...

Changing jobs for more money only works if you have more value to your new employer...

Neither are guaranteed...

[JMintzer]

The richest country in the world should not have people working 3 jobs and not able to afford medicine for their children. And on and on.

They should just "look forward to raises" or "change jobs for more money"...

[Two Bills]

Not totally correct. When govt takes action to restrict supply (pipeline project that was cancelled for example) prices will rise as a result.

High worldwide demand for oil after low demand means high prices until supply catches up.
Nothing to do with a cancelled pipeline, that was not even built.
Different subject all together.

[JMintzer]

People today have some additional problems that wear on their attitudes about hard work. Perhaps, for example, eventually ending up in a tent in a national forest. One problem is drugs and the criminalization philosophy rather than a rehabilitation philosophy. Our generation grew up largely being able to avoid drugs - some were not even available then (fentanyl)! Another problem is that a family needs a stable roof over their heads and the biggest expense in life is a home. part of the housing problem is caused by successful people who want to disassociate themselves from the less fortunate and less successful people. Ths successful people say, "I have mine and you can't take it away". For them to keep their distance, they adopt ZONING LAWS to keep out the riff-raff! Thus, a simple small, MICRO house for a starter family is NOT available - really anywhere. ZONING LAWS are like KEEP OUT signs - they work! Just some food for thought.

So, the MPDU (Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit) program, here in Montgomery County, MD (one of the richest counties in the US), doesn't exist? It was specifically designed to put what you call "riff-raff" smack dab in the middle of middle and upper middle class communities...

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

You spelled "Jimmy" wrong... "Ronnie" caused it to go down, even with his Cold War spending that crushed the former Soviet Union...
1981 when rates went over 16 and left us with with a 1.42 trillion dollar deficit which doubled our debt in 8 years . But what do I know I only googled it because I don’t know everything

[JMintzer]

The government does NOT control prices - prices are controlled by the "invisible hand of the economy".

Really?

Price Controls (https://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1689.html)

Price Controls Definition (https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/price-controls.asp#history-of-price-controls)

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I’ll be in chop house tonight over tipping those rich people waiting on tables , I guess I’m just not smart enough to stop enabling those overpaid wait staff

[JMintzer]

High worldwide demand for oil after low demand means high prices until supply catches up.
Nothing to do with a cancelled pipeline, that was not even built.
Different subject all together.

But cancelling drilling permits and fracking permits most certainly did effect demand and prices...

[JMintzer]

1981 when rates went over 16 and left us with with a 1.42 trillion dollar deficit which doubled our debt in 8 years . But what do I know I only googled it because I don’t know everything

I googled it, as well... It started going down AFTER Inauguration Day in 1981, after hears of going waaay up...

[jimjamuser]

Actually it stands for Gross DOMESTIC Product....but we knew what you meant. ;)
Yes, I noticed that and corrected it myself earlier. I am glad you read it! Thanks.

[jimjamuser]

After Janet Yellen said we should remove the debt ceiling this week, YES, YES I do think there are a LOT of people that know better. WE have the sense to realize they are making BAD financial decisions with OUR taxes. They are making decisions that will leave our grandkids and their grandkids in a world of hurt. They KNOW better, but obviously have an agenda. Funny how they worry about "future generations" when it comes to "saving the planet" and everything green....but seem to have no problem going scorched earth on the economy. At some point we need to quit asking who can pay more taxes and focus on where the hell all our money is going.
I disagree with the contents of this post!

[jimjamuser]

No, it's not true, salaried employees are able to look forward to raises, or to changing jobs and getting a pay bump.

People living on SS have no say in what they will be making next year. And people living on portfolios are getting nervous, the 4% rule is looking a bit shakey right now. People with enough to not think they need to worry probably should worry. We will see. I think things are gonna get worse before they get better.
People ARE worried and there are a lot of POTENTIAL problems on the horizon. Technology IS changing rapidly. Confusion IS rampant. An interesting fact is that people buying new cars now are buying more BLUE colored cars - because blue is a relaxing and uplifting color and apparently people NEED that subconscious "pick-me-up". An old Chinese saying is "may you live in INTERESTING TIMES". Well, Emily (Letella) we are THERE now!

[jimjamuser]

Being a progressive, I take exception to this gross generalization. Progressives do NOT believe that. They believe that the richest country in the world should have no poor. There is a difference. The richest country in the world should not have people working 3 jobs and not able to afford medicine for their children. And on and on. I could toss out a gross generalization that conservatives believe if you can't feed yourself you should just starve to death and make room for people that work harder and make better decisions. Like every person who declared bankruptcy because of medical bills is guilty of not being a rugged individual, and should just die and get it over with.
I agree that the content of that post was TRULY very POWERFUL !!!!!!!!!!!

[jimjamuser]

So, the MPDU (Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit) program, here in Montgomery County, MD (one of the richest counties in the US), doesn't exist? It was specifically designed to put what you call "riff-raff" smack dab in the middle of middle and upper middle class communities...
That IS a very good thing, VERY progressive. I am NOT familiar with all parts of the country. Just made a general statement that probably applies in MOST "middle American" communities.

[jimjamuser]

Really?

Price Controls (https://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1689.html)

Price Controls Definition (https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/price-controls.asp#history-of-price-controls)
That 1st link was a HISTORIC listing of the various EXCEPTIONS to the rule of the "invisible hand"! Exceptions are exceptional because they are traditionally OUTLIERS to a RULE. So, basically, I STAND BY my statement !
....I did not bother to read the 2nd link because likely it was more of the same.

[unialimon]

Just glad I do not have to rely on a union pension to live here. So many will be in trouble in the next few years. Even if the government does get involved, which they should not.

[pablo cruze]

Have you notice how prices have sky rocketed lately?

Businesses looking for help.
Raising cost of Transportation.
Grocery's are going through the roof.

Headlines say inflation will get worse as supply's are harder to get.

How are you holding up in your retirement years if on fix income?
Uhh,
1. I will start to panhandle - tax free income; maybe I'll get a crew of newly welcomed illegals to help.
2. I will sign up for unemployment - free money as long as I can't find a real job. Seems no place is hiring..
3. I will move in with my 90 and 91 yo parents.. Free room and board at their place (well it was those like them who really voted for this).
Maybe the country will start to right itself in about 3 years.

I Hope this post doesn't get deleted, I think a similar one did after appearing for less than 20 minutes - must have been a computer glitch with the server. Probably waiting for a silicon chip....

[golfing eagles]

I agree that the content of that post was TRULY very POWERFUL !!!!!!!!!!!

And I disagree

[golfing eagles]

B The richest country in the world should not have people working 3 jobs

So the solution is to take $$$ away from those that earned more by virtue of working harder, being more talented, being more educated, being more successful and just hand it over to those that dropped out of high school, spend their money on drugs and alcohol, suck up unemployment and welfare and food stamps if they can???? Right?????

Again, to quote Jesus as I did in the post you were responding to " "The poor, they shall always be among us"

BTW, The US ranks 10th in GDP per capita, Ireland ranks 7th----do you think there aren't any poor in Ireland?????

[Bogie Shooter]

Uhh,
1. I will start to panhandle - tax free income; maybe I'll get a crew of newly welcomed illegals to help.
2. I will sign up for unemployment - free money as long as I can't find a real job. Seems no place is hiring..
3. I will move in with my 90 and 91 yo parents.. Free room and board at their place (well it was those like them who really voted for this).
Maybe the country will start to right itself in about 3 years.

I Hope this post doesn't get deleted, I think a similar one did after appearing for less than 20 minutes - must have been a computer glitch with the server. Probably waiting for a silicon chip....
Trying to start something?

[Laker14]

So the solution is to take $$$ away from those that earned more by virtue of working harder, being more talented, being more educated, being more successful and just hand it over to those that dropped out of high school, spend their money on drugs and alcohol, suck up unemployment and welfare and food stamps if they can???? Right?????

Again, to quote Jesus as I did in the post you were responding to " "The poor, they shall always be among us"

BTW, The US ranks 10th in GDP per capita, Ireland ranks 7th----do you think there aren't any poor in Ireland?????

In order to solve a problem, one must first recognize that it is a problem.
One does not solve a problem by dreaming up a ridiculous scenario and declare that since that scenario does not solve the problem, that the problem doesn't exist.

Jesus also said "Judge not, lest ye be judged"....

[manaboutown]

Frankly, I just wish the OP would FIX the title of this thread to FIXED Income.

[frose]

wake up and pay attention.....remember 2008...it will seem like prosperity compared to what we are in for..

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Just glad I do not have to rely on a union pension to live here. So many will be in trouble in the next few years. Even if the government does get involved, which they should not.

We live on a union pension, and 1 social security check per month. The social security checks just started coming this year. The other one doesn't come for another 2 years. And that's when I'll be able to trade in my old tin can on wheels, for a less old tin can on wheels.

[Aces4]

I wonder if it is possible for ordinary TV Landers to know more than the FED? Anyway, the FED does not REALLY CONTROL either the economy or interest rates - they are just ONE factor out of hundreds of factors. The FED only massages / nudges interest rates. That IS why, basically, NO ONE can predict the direction of the economy or market with even close to 100% accuracy. Even Warren Buffet does NOT make that claim!


Well, just wait and see. If the Fed doesn’t control the interest rates, why does the stock market get jittery every time they make an interest rate decision?

[JMintzer]

That IS a very good thing, VERY progressive. I am NOT familiar with all parts of the country. Just made a general statement that probably applies in MOST "middle American" communities.

Oh, now it "probably" applies, generally, in "MOST" communities...

[pablo cruze]

Trying to start something?
What? (Vinnie Barbarino accent)

[pablo cruze]

Oh, now it "probably" applies, generally, in "MOST" communities...
I'm amused!!!

[jimjamuser]

So the solution is to take $$$ away from those that earned more by virtue of working harder, being more talented, being more educated, being more successful and just hand it over to those that dropped out of high school, spend their money on drugs and alcohol, suck up unemployment and welfare and food stamps if they can???? Right?????

Again, to quote Jesus as I did in the post you were responding to " "The poor, they shall always be among us"

BTW, The US ranks 10th in GDP per capita, Ireland ranks 7th----do you think there aren't any poor in Ireland?????
It IS POSSIBLE that some of the truly successful have to rationalize their feelings of guilt by forcing themselves to believe that they are truly more talented and hard-working. Thus eliminating the idea or concept of pure LUCK, personal or luck of birth and correct race, being an even little, little bit of a factor. I am sure that 90% of all the truly successful are hard-working, but there is that other 10%. For example, take Jack Welsh, former CEO of GE - Mr. Welsh was never able to increase the stock value of GE. It flatlined for many years under him. He did this horizontal company integration that was very ineffective in the long run. GE is only now today recovering from MR. Welsh - yet at the time he wrote a book and many thought that he "walked on water"!

[jimjamuser]

Well, just wait and see. If the Fed doesn’t control the interest rates, why does the stock market get jittery every time they make an interest rate decision?
That IS easily explained. Many individuals holding LARGE, LARGE quantities of stock buy and sell on an almost every 5-minute basis. They also cause some mathematic, computer programs that control LARGE quantities of stock to move in daily and inter-daily variations (also google quants for reference). Many changes like even large snowstorms can move markets daily. Certainly FED decisions or even expectations may SPOOK (that's a technical term) the market.

[golfing eagles]

It IS POSSIBLE that some of the truly successful have to rationalize their feelings of guilt by forcing themselves to believe that they are truly more talented and hard-working. Thus eliminating the idea or concept of pure LUCK, personal or luck of birth and correct race, being an even little, little bit of a factor. I am sure that 90% of all the truly successful are hard-working, but there is that other 10%. For example, take Jack Welsh, former CEO of GE - Mr. Welsh was never able to increase the stock value of GE. It flatlined for many years under him. He did this horizontal company integration that was very ineffective in the long run. GE is only now today recovering from MR. Welsh - yet at the time he wrote a book and many thought that he "walked on water"!

About what I expected:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[tvbound]

Trying to start something?

Trying to ask a rhetorical question? lol

[JMintzer]

It IS POSSIBLE that some of the truly successful have to rationalize their feelings of guilt by forcing themselves to believe that they are truly more talented and hard-working. Thus eliminating the idea or concept of pure LUCK, personal or luck of birth and correct race, being an even little, little bit of a factor. I am sure that 90% of all the truly successful are hard-working, but there is that other 10%. For example, take Jack Welsh, former CEO of GE - Mr. Welsh was never able to increase the stock value of GE. It flatlined for many years under him. He did this horizontal company integration that was very ineffective in the long run. GE is only now today recovering from MR. Welsh - yet at the time he wrote a book and many thought that he "walked on water"!

It is POSSIBLE that some of the less successful have to rationalize their feelings of jealousy and envy by forcing themselves to believe that they are just as deserving of what other people have attained...

I'll refrain from adding a lil' anecdote that has nothing to do with the conversation at hand...

[JMintzer]

What? (Vinnie Barbarino accent)

"Where?"

[JMintzer]

That IS easily explained. Many individuals holding LARGE, LARGE quantities of stock buy and sell on an almost every 5-minute basis. They also cause some mathematic, computer programs that control LARGE quantities of stock to move in daily and inter-daily variations (also google quants for reference). Many changes like even large snowstorms can move markets daily. Certainly FED decisions or even expectations may SPOOK (that's a technical term) the market.

And they buy and sell IN RESPONSE to what the Fed does...

[Aces4]

That IS easily explained. Many individuals holding LARGE, LARGE quantities of stock buy and sell on an almost every 5-minute basis. They also cause some mathematic, computer programs that control LARGE quantities of stock to move in daily and inter-daily variations (also google quants for reference). Many changes like even large snowstorms can move markets daily. Certainly FED decisions or even expectations may SPOOK (that's a technical term) the market.


So, in essence, the Fed controls the interest rates and stock market. Nough said!

[PJackpot]

Interesting. A thread purporting to be about inflation, but the obvious intention is to throw political stones. Not exactly original. LOL

What's the point of bringing up inflation, if politics is not at the core. It is, after all, a cause and effect resulting from which policies are being implemented. Or, do you believe inflation just manifests on its own?

[jimjamuser]

And they buy and sell IN RESPONSE to what the Fed does...
Yes, that's what I said - the selling on Fed announcement IS a temporary "spook of the market" and has LITTLE long-term effect (not more than 3 months). The math matrix software sells high and buys back SLIGHTLY low on a daily basis. And also the day traders jump in one way or the other to TIME the market. Real investors like Warren Buffet buy and HOLD (for lifetimes often) based on Company and industry FUNDAMENTALS. Mr. Buffet is NOT a day trader......he is a decades-long trader. And that would be the strategy that I would recommend to anybody. And you can follow Mr.Buffet's BUYS easily enough or invest directly with his fund.
......Note....I am NOT a broker for Mr. Buffet and currently am not an owner of Berkshire Hathaway stock - although I have been in the past and it was PROFITABLE!

[Byte1]

Someone else who has not fired their French Maid.

how do you get a French maid? Ours is Latino, but quite good.

[jimjamuser]

What's the point of bringing up inflation, if politics is not at the core. It is, after all, a cause and effect resulting from which policies are being implemented. Or, do you believe inflation just manifests on its own?
Inflation DOES go on its own in cycles with the business cycle (average 11 years). It is part of the economy and the influence of the "invisible hand of the market". That concept IS STUDIED in all beginning and expert investment classes!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Unbelievable

[Byte1]

Yes, we must pity those that are less fortunate than us. After all, the younger generation has NO motivation, no work ethics and have always relied on their parents to GIVE them what they wanted. Knowing this, how can we NOT feel empathy for these poor young adults that can't find management jobs that require only three hours of office participation per day. Yes, we should definitely take from those that have earned their place in the food chain. Don't think that these poor unfortunates should have to "work three jobs and still can't afford medicine?" Hmmm, I guess folks like myself that had to work three jobs and had the bill collectors after me for emergency room service, must have been super human, right? I guess I am better than today's generation, because rather than going bankrupt, I made arrangements to pay my bills, little by little until I was in a position to better myself? We suffered through the great inflation of '77-'81, before we saw relief. We clawed our way up from the abyss of being "unfortunately poor" without taking food stamps, even though we qualified for it. Am I superior to today's generation? Of course not. We weren't lucky, we were blessed and did not give up. Three jobs is beneath today's working age folks? Give me a break. If today's computer game generation can't flip burgers to pay for gas for the car their parents gave them, that is their problem....not the wealthy, not the rich.
I have no sympathy for anyone that quits. You want a hand up, then I better see your hand reaching up and you better be trying to get to your knees.
The rich owes nobody. I am not even high middle class, but I do not believe in penalizing the motivated and successful. I am middle class only because I did not wish to sacrifice more effort to become wealthy. I applaud the successful. Folks that believe in robbing the rich to pay the poor have only my disgust.
Inflation is due to mismanagement of the "peoples" funds. A corporate business would be shut down and their leaders jailed. I sincerely hope that our fellow citizens learn something IF we survive the coming economic destruction.
Looks like some of us will be substituting more carbohydrates for proteins. Meat prices are doubling. A forced diet might do me some good, by my losing a couple inches around the waist.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

You must not come in contact with many people outside your bubble or you would hear the stories of young people in cleaning jobs , convenience stores and many other jobs , going to there second and third job , spend a little time walking some streets in cities and chat with many of the people working in coffee shops, retail see how many jobs there working , when I grew up a high school grad or non grad person could walk down the street and get a good paying job in a factory or if he knew someone maybe longshoremen or Union labor job many are gone now no ones fault just progress but I’ve been hearing this generation doesn’t want to work since I was a kid and I was born in 1938 from people who don’t know what there talking about and I’ll never ever say it because it’s not true

[golfing eagles]

Yes, we must pity those that are less fortunate than us. After all, the younger generation has NO motivation, no work ethics and have always relied on their parents to GIVE them what they wanted. Knowing this, how can we NOT feel empathy for these poor young adults that can't find management jobs that require only three hours of office participation per day. Yes, we should definitely take from those that have earned their place in the food chain. Don't think that these poor unfortunates should have to "work three jobs and still can't afford medicine?" Hmmm, I guess folks like myself that had to work three jobs and had the bill collectors after me for emergency room service, must have been super human, right? I guess I am better than today's generation, because rather than going bankrupt, I made arrangements to pay my bills, little by little until I was in a position to better myself? We suffered through the great inflation of '77-'81, before we saw relief. We clawed our way up from the abyss of being "unfortunately poor" without taking food stamps, even though we qualified for it. Am I superior to today's generation? Of course not. We weren't lucky, we were blessed and did not give up. Three jobs is beneath today's working age folks? Give me a break. If today's computer game generation can't flip burgers to pay for gas for the car their parents gave them, that is their problem....not the wealthy, not the rich.
I have no sympathy for anyone that quits. You want a hand up, then I better see your hand reaching up and you better be trying to get to your knees.
The rich owes nobody. I am not even high middle class, but I do not believe in penalizing the motivated and successful. I am middle class only because I did not wish to sacrifice more effort to become wealthy. I applaud the successful. Folks that believe in robbing the rich to pay the poor have only my disgust.
Inflation is due to mismanagement of the "peoples" funds. A corporate business would be shut down and their leaders jailed. I sincerely hope that our fellow citizens learn something IF we survive the coming economic destruction.
Looks like some of us will be substituting more carbohydrates for proteins. Meat prices are doubling. A forced diet might do me some good, by my losing a couple inches around the waist.

Best post on this thread!!!

[tvbound]

You must not come in contact with many people outside your bubble or you would hear the stories of young people in cleaning jobs , convenience stores and many other jobs , going to there second and third job , spend a little time walking some streets in cities and chat with many of the people working in coffee shops, retail see how many jobs there working , when I grew up a high school grad or non grad person could walk down the street and get a good paying job in a factory or if he knew someone maybe longshoremen or Union labor job many are gone now no ones fault just progress but I’ve been hearing this generation doesn’t want to work since I was a kid and I was born in 1938 from people who don’t know what there talking about and I’ll never ever say it because it’s not true

Thank you for an excellent post and a dose of reality, for a lot of people who need it. There are always those people who need to feel superior, even (or especially) if they're actually not, to others. There are a number of really disgusting ways (racism being one) that this is done, but the oldest has been going on by denigrating the younger generation(s), starting with Uggh complaining in the cave that his son doesn't pull his weight - when the tribe is hunting Mastodons.

[golfing eagles]

Thank you for an excellent post and a dose of reality, for a lot of people who need it. There are always those people who need to feel superior, even (or especially) if they're actually not, to others. There are a number of really disgusting ways (racism being one) that this is done, but the oldest has been going on by denigrating the younger generation(s), starting with Uggh complaining in the cave that his son doesn't pull his weight - when the tribe is hunting Mastodons.

Except the lazy young caveman wouldn't get any mastodon meat. And remember Gov. William Bradford when the pilgrims landed in 1621----"He who does not work, does not eat" We should go back to that principle upon which our country was founded.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Except the lazy young caveman wouldn't get any mastodon meat. And remember Gov. William Bradford when the pilgrims landed in 1621----"He who does not work, does not eat" We should go back to that principle upon which our country was founded.

Absolutely. We need to stop giving food and medical help to the disabled vets, since they can't work anymore and are now a burden on society. No more food stamps, disability entitlements, housing, or clothing for disabled non-vets, same reason. Any woman pregnant with a child who will be born disabled - forced abortion. Anyone born disabled who bypasses the previous statement - toss them in a cart and haul the cart to the lab when it's full. Anyone who is retired - make them work, or kill them. Starve them all to death if they can't work.

I even have a great motto for this new regime: 'Arbeit Macht Frei'

[jimbomaybe]

Absolutely. We need to stop giving food and medical help to the disabled vets, since they can't work anymore and are now a burden on society. No more food stamps, disability entitlements, housing, or clothing for disabled non-vets, same reason. Any woman pregnant with a child who will be born disabled - forced abortion. Anyone born disabled who bypasses the previous statement - toss them in a cart and haul the cart to the lab when it's full. Anyone who is retired - make them work, or kill them. Starve them all to death if they can't work.

I even have a great motto for this new regime: 'Arbeit Macht Frei' I have looked and looked but can find nothing in your post that relates to the one you are responding to ???

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

You need to look harder then

[GrumpyOldMan]

Except the lazy young caveman wouldn't get any mastodon meat. And remember Gov. William Bradford when the pilgrims landed in 1621----"He who does not work, does not eat" We should go back to that principle upon which our country was founded.

Does that include people who can't work? Just let them die? Or the people whose jobs they worked most of their lives and those jobs no longer exist? Let them die?

When Jesus fed the people, did he ask if they were working?

[golfing eagles]

Absolutely. We need to stop giving food and medical help to the disabled vets, since they can't work anymore and are now a burden on society. No more food stamps, disability entitlements, housing, or clothing for disabled non-vets, same reason. Any woman pregnant with a child who will be born disabled - forced abortion. Anyone born disabled who bypasses the previous statement - toss them in a cart and haul the cart to the lab when it's full. Anyone who is retired - make them work, or kill them. Starve them all to death if they can't work.

I even have a great motto for this new regime: 'Arbeit Macht Frei'

C'mon. You know darn well I wasn't referring to the disabled, handicapped, or mentally ill. It was solely directed at able bodied people to whom we give the option of not working and sucking off the government (meaning you and I) teet.

[JMintzer]

Absolutely ridiculous interpretation of my post, AND YOU KNOW IT!!!

I concur...

[JMintzer]

C'mon. You know darn well I wasn't referring to the disabled, handicapped, or mentally ill. It was solely directed at able bodied people to whom we give the option of not working and sucking off the government (meaning you and I) teet.

Of course you weren't.

[Koapaka]

I'll try it in a dumbed down version for ya:

golfing eagles thinks anyone who doesn't work, should be made to suffer.

"He who does not work, should not eat." That's the quote he feels we should all abide by.

I think golfing eagles is not thinking his thoughts through very well, and pointed out exactly why I think that. People who can't work, don't work. They are "he who does not work." Disabled vets who can't work are members of the group called "he who does not work." So is anyone who is disabled and unable to work. People who are still in the womb, but who doctors can confirm will be born unable to work (such as suffering from anencephaly) - should not be allowed to be born, so as not to place an additional burden on society (the "should not eat" part of the equation).

This is simple Venn diagram stuff here.

I qualify for the term "disabled" by current definition....but the Bible says 2 Thessalonians 3:9-10 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give ourselves as an example for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we used to give you this command: “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat.”

2 Thessalonians 3:9-10 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give ourselves as an example for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we used to give you this command: “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat.”

5. Proverbs 14:23 Prosperity comes from hard work, but talking too much leads to great scarcity

6. Proverbs 12:11-12 The one who works his field will have plenty of food, but whoever chases daydreams lacks wisdom. The wicked person desires a stronghold, but the righteous root endures

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Yes by all means let’s rule by fables

[Byte1]

Does that include people who can't work? Just let them die? Or the people whose jobs they worked most of their lives and those jobs no longer exist? Let them die?

When Jesus fed the people, did he ask if they were working?

NO, but Jesus DID say that "..the poor will be with us ALWAYS..."
And remember the saying that goes something like this: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime"

[Byte1]

You must not come in contact with many people outside your bubble or you would hear the stories of young people in cleaning jobs , convenience stores and many other jobs , going to there second and third job , spend a little time walking some streets in cities and chat with many of the people working in coffee shops, retail see how many jobs there working , when I grew up a high school grad or non grad person could walk down the street and get a good paying job in a factory or if he knew someone maybe longshoremen or Union labor job many are gone now no ones fault just progress but I’ve been hearing this generation doesn’t want to work since I was a kid and I was born in 1938 from people who don’t know what there talking about and I’ll never ever say it because it’s not true

And we just have too many jobs out there to fill, right? All those young adults are just too busy to work those low paying jobs, right?