Most people don't understand what things cost.

It's easy to look at the prices on the grocery shelves and declare, "2.99!" That's not what I'm talking about.

For instance, I went into McDonald's the other day for lunch. (Thoroughly underwhelming, particularly based on my fond memories of these restaurants in my younger days.) A huge placard by the pick-up desk was recruiting workers for a starting wage of 17 bones per hour.

Starting wage! I can't imagine the windfall coming to the assistant fry chef when his promotion hits.

But this is all insane. We are told that inflation is mild, nothing to worry about.

For years, I tended to be trusting by nature. Thus, I've got worked over by the lies. I guess I've started to "wake up."

How do they do it? How is it so easy for them?

First, they change the definitions.

"Inflation" used to describe an increase in the money supply—money that was typically inserted into the economy by a government using their fiat currency.

"Inflating" the money supply “blows it up.” Like a balloon. Duh.

Now, the term inflation usually (officially) refers to "price inflation"—an increase in the "general" price level of a "basket" of goods and services in the economy.

In both cases, as the price level increases, each fiat dollar (in the case of the U.S.) buys fewer of these goods and services.

Many problems, however.

• The first dollars trickled out with the increase in money supply usually go to the "connected"—banks and politicians. So, we don't see "price inflation" until much further down the road in most cases. The scoundrels get rich ... when you're not even watching.

• The goods and services within the "basket" that serves as a baseline for the "inflation" change over time. Thus, we're never comparing apples to apples.

Why do they change? Many theories, but academic economists tend to believe that the arbitrary target of 2% inflation year-over-year is beneficial to the economy. It's tautological to them, though it makes no sense to a curious mind.

Thus, they must change the contents of the “basket” to goose the numbers as close to their target rate as possible.

Sadly, it's not conspiratorial. These people are just stupid. And we listen to them. And trust them.

Why shouldn't we? Most of them are our elders. It's good practice to trust them, right?

But we soon find that the emperor has no clothes.

17 bucks an hour to work at McDonald's when the inflation hasn't been "that bad?" Oh, contraire.

I'm happy for the folks making that money at McDonald's. However, I shouldn't have to break the bank on a lunch date with my 4-year-old. A chicken sandwich, fries, McNuggets, and two milkshakes (small) and then I must reach for more change in my pocket after I already presented the cashier with a twenty ... we're not in Kansas anymore.

This is more than maddening. The people "in charge" lie to you. There's no compunction with these folks, either. It's a morally and ethically bankrupt society.

The only reason it's not financially bankrupt is because of the shenanigans used by the paper pushers. Faith in the Almighty Dollar by the trusting foreigners holding on to our currency keeps us afloat (for the time being).

I'd like to say it is all fake, but it is entirely real.

Charles Hugh Smith has been writing about “The Burrito Index” since 2001. That regular burrito that was 2.50 at the local taco truck in 2001 was 5.00 in 2010 and 6.50 in 2016. I haven’t seen him update the Index since 2018, though things have gotten more than a little wonky since then.

Where I live, 17-an hour is a wage that is remarkably below subsistence living.

Heck, a regular burrito is at minimum 10.50 around here. To make it taste decent, it usually costs around 14 bucks. Mildly satisfying experience. Mildly.

When takeout for the family at the “cheap place” burns through most of a Benjamin, you find that inflation is real.

Gasoline is 5/gal. They keep pricing us out or cancelling health "insurance." Last time their approach was something to the effect of, “Get lost. We don’t care what you want to pay, we’re not going to serve you. Find another company.”

We were never a problem for the insurance company.

How about astronomical electrical bills—with relatively low usage and regular power outages at the most inconvenient times?

Water bills with draconian surcharges for “drought mitigation” or some nonsense. Meanwhile, the “drought” is officially over and reservoirs overflow in the midst of summer.

Many such cases.

Folks are rightfully shocked when I tell them—in rough terms—about the mere cost of utilities and everyday expenses. Part of the problem is choosing where we currently hang our hats.

Even so, I’m not the best at "all the things." But I won't do is lie to you.

As the great marketing whiz Dan Kennedy says, "the worst number in business is 1." Applies to life as well.

In a practical sense, you want "backups for your backups." How many of us are really prepared?

I'm not as prepared as I should be, I reluctantly admit. But I do have backups for my backups when it comes to my "health."

Our affiliate page for CrowdHealth will tell you what you need to know. I don't regret buying this service for one second.

Ironically, the price for CrowdHealth has massively "deflated" during this time along with an increase in service. You'll want to back this horse if you can...

As always,

Brian