No inflation if you don't eat or drive

[Liberal_in_LA]

Posting this just cuz I like the title... part of an article.


http://money.cnn.com/2008/05/13/news/economy/misery/index.htm?postversion=2008051316

No inflation if you don't eat or drive

(***SNIP***)

In addition, food and energy prices are eliminated from the so-called core CPI, which many economists tend to focus more closely on because they claim food and gas prices are volatile.

But food and energy costs are a part of household budgets that are very important to consumers. And those prices have been skyrocketing: gas prices were up about 25% over the 12 months ending in March while food prices rose 4.5% over the same period.

To that end, nearly half of the respondents of a recent CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll said inflation was the biggest problem they face.

[CoffeeCat]

1. Food prices are up WAY more than 4-5 percent.

Something fishy is going on with the reporting of food prices.

I've mentioned my grocery-store notebook before. Yes, it's pathetic. Yes, it's obsessive, but
it clearly demonstrates that food prices have gone up 30 percent. Some food items have doubled
in price.

I'm a "couponer" and I save tons of money getting multiple copies of the Sunday coupons--from the
newspaper. I have a notebook that I jot down prices, so I know if something is a good deal or not.
I've kept the notebook for 5 years.

Milk and bread have increased by 30 percent. Eggs 100 percent. Fruits and veggies--it varies
about on avg--around 30 percent. Paper goods have increased 30 percent, and in addition, the
pkgs are smaller! Many people probably don't pay attention to how many square feet are on a single
toilet paper or paper towel roll--but I do--and these items have shrunk, which is a cost increase.

Cereals have gone up at least 30 percent, and those boxes have shrunk by 20 percent.

I could go on and on. Yogurt and cheese have doubled. Many frozen-food items are up by 30 percent.

I have no idea why they are telling us "4-5 percent" increases. It's simply not true.

[Liberal_in_LA]

5. I have noticed packaging is shrinking

[taterguy]

2. What if we just drink heavily?

Which seems like the most rational thing to do these days

[Liberal_in_LA]

4. I suppose that drinking is getting pretty expensive these days...w the price of grain going up

[LaPera]

3. Absolutely! Fat asses who walk instead & don't eat will lose lots of weight! Always a Silver Lining!

They will become healthier AND save money too!!