While prices slipped last month, they’re still significantly higher than before the pandemic — and headed higher.

Waiting it out might just be part of the journey to cool inflation.

Inflation at the pump is in the pipeline for August. It would likely show up right before the Fed’s September interest rate meeting.

Year-over-year inflation figures grab a lot of attention when the Labor Department reports its monthly consumer price index. But those 12-month figures can gloss over the recent slowdown in inflation.

The cost of car maintenance and repair is rising much faster than inflation.

That would be a good sign for the Federal Reserve as it tries to get inflation under control.

The microchip shortage of recent years put the brakes on the production of new cars. That’s making for a low supply of used cars now.

The latest data shows inflation is well below its peak of more than 9% a year ago. But there’s a ways to go before the Fed reaches its 2% target.

Here’s how higher wages, housing shortages and income level can play a role in how much you pay for things like exterminators and car repairs.

Response rates to The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ JOLTS report are continuing to waver according to Bloomberg reporter, Reade Pickert.