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we are , but in the other direction. inflation has been far worse , even when CPI claims were at 3% / year. Now they are claiming 7% , when in reality we are in
by tonymet 3y ago
we are , but in the other direction. inflation has been far worse , even when CPI claims were at 3% / year. Now they are claiming 7% , when in reality we are in double digits.
If you look at holistically at the number of working hours a middle class family required to run a household: own a house, car, pay utilities, food and have a quality of life : those hours are far higher . You now have two full time workers with lower quality of life.
Some technology and conveniences have concealed that but it's easy if you look at major expenses like housing, food, quality apparel, child care, education, healthcare.
If you don't believe me, look at census records from 50s-70s and see what professions lived in high class neighborhoods like Palo Alto, Berkeley , West Los Angeles, SF etc. You will see plumbers, carpenters, factory workers living in neighborhoods that are now occupied by 90th percentile incomes.
True inflation is # of hours working vs quality of life and assets earned. That figure is far higher than claimed CPI
- addcommitpush 3y agoInflation is the increase in price. You may argue inflation is not an interesting metrics to look at, but it seems weird to say: - inflation is not informative about X - X is what matters - therefore we shall call X "inflation"
- aidenn0 3y agoHousing, childcare, and healthcare dominate the increased costs for families with children. Education comes into play as well, but is not as clearly dominant. Food and apparel (of any quality) are cheaper in real-terms on the time-scales you are talking about. This is an important distinction because while you can substitute beans & rice for meat and patch-up your old clothing, you can't just not have a roof over your head.