THESE LAST SIX MONTHS have delivered sobering news in the form of rising prices all around me for everyday goods and services. Groceries and gasoline are the most obvious -- both daily reminders of inflation and how fast $100 disappears during the week.
One of the leading indicators of inflation in my own backyard is the latest price for a bundle of firewood.
Some spots are now asking $6 for a wrapped bundle of hardwood logs. I was flabbergasted when they went from $2 a bundle at the beginning of Covid-19 to $3 then without taking a breath they skipped to $4 and landed at $5. Local woodsmen have decided to benchmark to crude oil futures that are published daily in the WSJ -- a smart group of entrepreneurs.
Always the optimist, I have good news. My vodka brand has remained the same price for four years. Now, if I can stay below the radar from my landlord, I might make it through this period. I am reminded that mortgage interest rates were 19% in 1980 when I was buying my first house.
It’s all about perspective.