For people on benefits, inflation adjustments lag behind

Dec 10, 2021
Social security and SNAP benefits are adjusted every year for inflation. While that tends to be enough in normal years, it's not enough right now.
For those on fixed incomes, inflated prices on everyday items like rent and food can hit particularly hard.
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July consumer price index shows signs of easing inflation

Aug 11, 2021
But inflation eased on a month-to-month basis. Many economists expect price gains to moderate as the pandemic recovery progresses.
Shoppers at a Costco in Novato, California. Yearly inflation was unchanged at 5.4%, but the month-to-month and core inflation measures suggest price gains are slowing down.
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Could a little more inflation be good for the economy?

Jul 26, 2021
The Federal Reserve is aiming for long-term inflation of 2%. But economists say a bit more could help some workers and borrowers.
Stock traders tend to fear the higher interest rates that often accompany inflation. But inflation can also signal a healthy increase in economic activity.
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Inflation can start from perceptions — that's why the Fed surveys consumers

Jul 13, 2021
If people think prices will rise, they will modify their behavior. That could, in turn, lead to price hikes.
A New York Fed survey shows consumer expectations of inflation over the next year have reached a new high.
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A used car can now cost you more than a new one

Jul 12, 2021
While many new-car assembly lines are backed up, older cars are available, and they're fetching premium prices.
Availability is part of the equation that has boosted the prices of some used-car models.
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Consumers aren't worried about spiking prices — yet

Jun 17, 2021
Consumer inflation expectations aren't rising sharply, according to Morning Consult, consistent with the Fed's view that most inflation right now is "transitory."
Prices for all items were up 5% year over year in May, per the latest consumer price index data.
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We're paying more for restaurant meals

Jun 11, 2021
Restaurant prices are up 4% compared to May of last year.
Restaurant prices are rising because of higher commodity prices and higher wages for employees. Businesses are passing those costs along to consumers.
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Food prices are rising. Is that a problem?

Jun 10, 2021
The latest numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that food prices rose in May. That's a trend that will likely continue in the short term.
Food prices jumped about half a percent in May, mostly because of meat, poultry, fish and eggs.
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Consumer prices jumped again in May

Jun 10, 2021
There was a 0.6% increase in prices over April and 5% over the past year, the biggest 12-month inflation spike since 2008.
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