View Full Version : How are you dealing with inflation?
Had a nice porterhouse steak for lunch, $6/lb. from my cow.
A cheeseburger in town would have cost me $22 w/tip.
We got a good deal from a local dairyman who sold us one of his freemartins. I’m not sure chicken won’t cost more per pound by the time the freezer is empty.
We got a good deal from a local dairyman who sold us one of his freemartins. I’m not sure chicken won’t cost more per pound by the time the freezer is empty.
Boneless non-super-great-raised chicken in "family packs" at our market is $5.99/lb right now!
frugal-one
6-18-22, 9:26pm
Did an inventory of my freezer yesterday. Thankfully, it is quite full.
happystuff
6-25-22, 10:18am
In season and price was low in the store and my garden is not producing, so I bought a 5 lb bag of carrots which I will prep and get on the dehydrator today. I'm going to try to take advantage of low seasonal prices when the opportunity arises and start stocking the pantry now.
Interesting article about issues with west-side WA state small farming and prices:
https://eatlocalfirst.org/farming-in-the-current-economy/
Skipped my pedicure this month.
miteigenenhaenden
7-11-22, 6:56am
In season and price was low in the store and my garden is not producing, so I bought a 5 lb bag of carrots which I will prep and get on the dehydrator today. I'm going to try to take advantage of low seasonal prices when the opportunity arises and start stocking the pantry now.
I don't buy boneless chickens. that is far too expensive and the bones are a valuable raw material for many delicious dishes
happystuff
7-12-22, 7:04pm
I don't buy boneless chickens. that is far too expensive and the bones are a valuable raw material for many delicious dishes
I usually buy whole chickens, cook them, pick them and use the bones for broth.
Put 5 gallons into my pickup truck today because I needed to do some heavy errands.
First time since my college years I haven't just filled the tank completely.
https://i.imgur.com/Av9J0mY.jpg
Skipped my pedicure this month.
I have gotten one pedicure in my life. My DD paid for one before my 70th birthday. It was a gel pedicure, and now I'm too cheap to have the gel sanded off, so I have to grow out the color which bothers me, but it's better than paying $40 for another pedicure.
Put 5 gallons into my pickup truck today because I needed to do some heavy errands.
First time since my college years I haven't just filled the tank completely.
https://i.imgur.com/Av9J0mY.jpg
Wow. We're under $5 ($4.57) up here in Lake Champlain.
frugal-one
7-12-22, 7:47pm
I have gotten one pedicure in my life. My DD paid for one before my 70th birthday. It was a gel pedicure, and now I'm too cheap to have the gel sanded off, so I have to grow out the color which bothers me, but it's better than paying $40 for another pedicure.
Never had a pedicure and no desire. Frivolous?
Put 5 gallons into my pickup truck today because I needed to do some heavy errands.
First time since my college years I haven't just filled the tank completely.
https://i.imgur.com/Av9J0mY.jpg
I towed my camper 200 miles north last week which cost me $120 in diesel......each way!
I towed my camper 200 miles north last week which cost me $120 in diesel......each way!
I was doing some work on my small sailboat this weekend, rather than contemplate the horror of putting 300 gallons into the "yacht" :-)
And my partner built her own kayak out of the box in under 10 minutes, and went out with me in a kayak for the first time, so that didn't take much gas.
https://i.imgur.com/omJuXWl.jpg
Never had a pedicure and no desire. Frivolous?
No, the pedicure was actually a very pleasant experience, and my feet looked great. And I had wonderful quality time with my DD. When it comes to life energy, though, I would rather my life energy be put towards other things.
I have gotten one pedicure in my life. My DD paid for one before my 70th birthday. It was a gel pedicure, and now I'm too cheap to have the gel sanded off, so I have to grow out the color which bothers me, but it's better than paying $40 for another pedicure.
As it grows out the edges will loosen and you can pull the polish off in chunks, then sand the few remaining bits with an emery board nail file.
That kayak looks like so much fun!
That kayak looks like so much fun!
They fold up into a suitcase-sized rectangle, and two of them fit nicely into the back of my teeny Fiat 500e electric car, so we can explore many bays/coasts/rivers around here with no fuss about fuel, and little trouble parking. They are easily light and handy enough to hand-carry onto the ferry too, for mainland fun.
They fold up into a suitcase-sized rectangle, and two of them fit nicely into the back of my teeny Fiat 500e electric car, so we can explore many bays/coasts/rivers around here with no fuss about fuel, and little trouble parking. They are easily light and handy enough to hand-carry onto the ferry too, for mainland fun.
Perfection!
While sales dollars are up at work as we pass along higher costs, volume is down companywide with lower foot traffic. We are all to cut expenses. No more free snacks, which should help me lose weight.
I like my job and hope things don't get to the point where there are layoffs. I feel I would probably be the second to go.
I see this morning that we’re now at 9.1%.
Today I looked up the interest rate of my money market savings at the local bank where I keep a small amount. It's up to .05% (argh). I had to do a double take on the placement of the decimal point. Gas was $4.84, down about ten cents. Early crop local peaches at produce market were $3.49 a pound and they are really good. I took early retirement and get a small fixed pension from my last employer, no COLA. It might be parking meter money one day. I could make a case that retired people depending on fixed income and investments are getting a little extra inflation punishment.
miteigenenhaenden
7-13-22, 10:27pm
Ich mag meinen Job und hoffe, dass es nicht so weit kommt, dass es zu Entlassungen kommt. Ich glaube, ich wäre wahrscheinlich der Zweite, der geht.
I keep my thumbs (Do you say that in English too?) crossed that they keep your job.
I have been moving our cash emergency fund from big bank to Ally as their interest rate is higher. Every little bit helps.
I purchased my first TIPS bond on June 30th. We'll see how that goes since it's a long term commitment but the current rate is almost 10% so I'm happy for now.
I keep my thumbs (Do you say that in English too?) crossed that they keep your job.
Similar. We say we'll keep our fingers crossed.
I keep my thumbs (Do you say that in English too?) crossed that they keep your job.
Danke.
gimmethesimplelife
7-14-22, 9:39pm
My update is that SO and I are going down to Nogales this Tuesday through Friday mid-day. There are very high chances of rain next week in Nogales - they get a more intense monsoon there. Also my usual med run and in laws on the Mexican side. But the main event - the Goodwill Clearance outlet in Nogales to stock up on incredibly cheap things we need - clothes, bedding, yard tools whatever. This place is my to go inflation buster. Rob
happystuff
7-15-22, 7:48am
Have fun, Rob. I miss my thrift store shopping. I don't miss the "stuff" I end up coming home with, but I do miss the fun of browsing a variety of things and sometimes coming across a good find.
iris lilies
7-15-22, 9:21am
Today I looked up the interest rate of my money market savings at the local bank where I keep a small amount. It's up to .05% (argh). I had to do a double take on the placement of the decimal point. Gas was $4.84, down about ten cents. Early crop local peaches at produce market were $3.49 a pound and they are really good. I took early retirement and get a small fixed pension from my last employer, no COLA. It might be parking meter money one day. I could make a case that retired people depending on fixed income and investments are getting a little extra inflation punishment.
When do you draw an income from ?social Sevurity? Our gubmnt with its unlimited resources gives COLA adjustments. We got a hefty one this year, I am thinking 7%.
Get thee onto the gubmnt teat, my friend!
When do you draw an income from ?social Sevurity? Our gubmnt with its unlimited resources gives COLA adjustments. We got a hefty one this year, I am thinking 7%.
Get thee onto the gubmnt teat, my friend!
Yup. I'm on it already. Not my sole source of income however. If push came to shove I could probably get by on SS alone. I also have a few I-bonds from the days when the fixed rate was 1% plus the inflation component.
I'm far from being close to financial distress, but it's slightly disturbing to watch the purchasing power of my savings and investments for things like new cars, home remodels and repairs or long term health care diminish.
I wonder if the government will alter their care free spending habits now that there era of cheap debt is gone. Debt could get rather expensive.
I wonder if the government will alter their care free spending habits now that there era of cheap debt is gone. Debt could get rather expensive.
There seems to be a substantial faction among our political class that believes the best way to deal with too many dollars chasing too few goods and services is to provide people with more cash to pay the higher resulting prices. They claimed passing BBB would crush inflation.
There seems to be a substantial faction among our political class that believes the best way to deal with too many dollars chasing too few goods and services is to provide people with more cash to pay the higher resulting prices. They claimed passing BBB would crush inflation.
I always had the idea that the BBB plan would go along with increased tax on the wealthy to pay for things and also take money out of the economy at the same time. It doesn't look like either will happen. Matter of fact, tax increases seem like a good way to take money out of the economy, pay down the burgeoning debt, and help inflation all at the same time, regardless.
I always had the idea that the BBB plan would go along with increased tax on the wealthy to pay for things and also take money out of the economy at the same time. It doesn't look like either will happen. Matter of fact, tax increases seem like a good way to take money out of the economy, pay down the burgeoning debt, and help inflation all at the same time, regardless.
But in the case of taking from the rich and giving to everyone else (less administration costs), assuming the rich are too dumb to take defensive measures, is that you don’t simple exchange spending on Gulfstreams and Chateau Petrus for spending on F-150s and Miller Lite. A big chunk of the one-percenters’ income winds up in their balance sheets in the form of investments which serve to increase the amount of goods and services for our dollars to chase rather than immediate spending.
While you are certainly right that using tax revenues to reduce debt is possible, that seems to be the part of Keynesianism that we never seem to get around to.
Spent $43 on groceries this week. I'll get more produce from my parents this weekend. Used a $10 off a purchase of $10 or more coupon.
But in the case of taking from the rich and giving to everyone else (less administration costs), assuming the rich are too dumb to take defensive measures, is that you don’t simple exchange spending on Gulfstreams and Chateau Petrus for spending on F-150s and Miller Lite. A big chunk of the one-percenters’ income winds up in their balance sheets in the form of investments which serve to increase the amount of goods and services for our dollars to chase rather than immediate spending.
You could be correct. There are some in politics, usually a certain party, that subscribe to supply side economics and trickle down theory, thinking that decreasing taxes is a good way to stimulate the economy. One could then conclude that the opposite would slow the economy. Or another opinion could be that it's all voodoo. Economics isn't exactly a hard science.
I could argue a case that the previous regimes tax cuts and constant pressure on the Fed to lower rates, along with increasing government spending, overstimulated the economy and are part of how we got here today.
Remember when the luxury yacht tax didn’t change rich peoples’ behaviour much at all, but destroyed the US boatbuilding industry?
Remember when the luxury yacht tax didn’t change rich peoples’ behaviour much at all, but destroyed the US boatbuilding industry?
I don't remember that. Although if it didn't change people's behaviour I don't understand why it affect the boat industry, but I'll go with it. I suppose it depends on the elasticity of demand for a particular good. Sin taxes on tobacco and booze don't seem to significantly adversely affect their industries, that I know of.
I could assume that taxing specific goods differs in many ways from taxing income, but that's getting beyond my pay grade. Interesting, but not analogous. Although, the yacht tax did appear to slow the it's niche economy, which could have more global modern applications.
miteigenenhaenden
7-16-22, 7:40am
In Germany, prices are also rising rapidly.
I just went shopping. I was struck by lightning with some products. Prices have doubled in just a few weeks. Unbelievable.
There are new offers here every week, but most of them are just junk. We don't have such an extensive voucher and coupon system.
Good thing I have a garden and can cook from scratch. So I can save something.
Remember when the luxury yacht tax didn’t change rich peoples’ behaviour much at all, but destroyed the US boatbuilding industry?
There was a place up here that only survived by getting a contract for wooden hull minesweepers.
Remember when the luxury yacht tax didn’t change rich peoples’ behaviour much at all, but destroyed the US boatbuilding industry?
I wonder how Dutch yacht taxes compare to the US?
https://www.businessinsider.com/jeff-bezos-megayacht-dutch-bridge-wont-be-dismantled-2022-7
A friend told me a story that could be fact checked. Bezos and Steve Jobs were talking and Steve was lamenting having so much money he didn't know what to do with all of it. Bezos said, you need a Yacht. Everyone has one. Sort of delineates a difference between being rich vs. wealthy.
A friend told me a story that could be fact checked. Bezos and Steve Jobs were talking and Steve was lamenting having so much money he didn't know what to do with all of it. Bezos said, you need a Yacht. Everyone has one. Sort of delineates a difference between being rich vs. wealthy.
That's why striving for piles of money seems so foolish to me. Either you have to administer dozens of charities, or what? buy endless stuff you don't need? I would think that would get old fast.
I don't remember that. Although if it didn't change people's behaviour I don't understand why it affect the boat industry, but I'll go with it. I suppose it depends on the elasticity of demand for a particular good.
The law applied to boats costing > $100k.
The rich people buying yachts simply bought them from non-US builders, and took delivery offshore.
The middle-class people buying regular boring boats found that the boatbuilding business here in the USA dried up and blew away as a result. ~7600 jobs were lost in the boatbuilding/service industry in the USA. When the cost of unemployment benefits is included in the calculation, the government *lost* money by collecting this tax. And I still take my boat across the border to Canada for service, even though I live just a short distance from what used to be a major boatbuilding/repair center here in the USA.
Similar things happened to the light aircraft manufacturing industry in the USA from the tax. I think they lost ~1500 jobs or so.
For those of us who live in remote places, boats and light aircraft are often essential.
The law applied to boats costing > $100k.
The rich people buying yachts simply bought them from non-US builders, and took delivery offshore.
The middle-class people buying regular boring boats found that the boatbuilding business here in the USA dried up and blew away as a result. ~7600 jobs were lost in the boatbuilding/service industry in the USA. When the cost of unemployment benefits is included in the calculation, the government *lost* money by collecting this tax. And I still take my boat across the border to Canada for service, even though I live just a short distance from what used to be a major boatbuilding/repair center here in the USA.
Similar things happened to the light aircraft manufacturing industry in the USA from the tax. I think they lost ~1500 jobs or so.
For those of us who live in remote places, boats and light aircraft are often essential.
Up here on the Great Lakes, I’ve been told that the average age of shipbuilders has been rising. There are some specialized skills in the industry that we are losing fairly rapidly. Some of these “luxury taxes” have consequences that go beyond simple class warfare.
The middle-class people buying regular boring boats found that the boatbuilding business here in the USA dried up and blew away as a result. ~7600 jobs were lost in the boatbuilding/service industry in the USA. When the cost of unemployment benefits is included in the calculation, the government *lost* money by collecting this tax. And I still take my boat across the border to Canada for service, even though I live just a short distance from what used to be a major boatbuilding/repair center here in the USA.
Thanks. I understand now.
Being a landlubber, I suppose that also would apply to a luxury tax on high end homes in Aspen. A personal favorite, but it probably wouldn't keep the riffraff out since it doesn't appear to change behaviour.
In Germany, prices are also rising rapidly.
I just went shopping. I was struck by lightning with some products. Prices have doubled in just a few weeks. Unbelievable.
There are new offers here every week, but most of them are just junk. We don't have such an extensive voucher and coupon system.
Good thing I have a garden and can cook from scratch. So I can save something.
I would be interested in your perception of petrol prices where you live and how much people are concerned about the Ukraine war and it's effect on energy costs? Here they are telling us that gas prices are a major driver of inflation, although they've dropped about 10% in the last couple of weeks.
My first utility bill of cooler weather just arrived. The utility provider is good about giving details for comparison to previous years. Electric was basically similar for usage and cost as the same period a year ago. Gas took a huge jump and was up at least 50% for the about the same usage as a year ago. I definitely dug out some extra sweat shirts, vests and warm socks. It was not even that cold.
Gasoline seems to be holding at around 3.39 where I go and diesel is near 5.00. A couple of rural friends were in town with a few of their farming and trucking neighbors. There was some conversation around how the price of diesel and fertilizer is causing enough of a financial burden on independent truckers and farmers that some may have to go out of business. I don't know how real or common this is, but they seemed to have some first hand accounts. I've assumed that the costs would just be passed among to us consumers.
iris lilies
11-21-22, 11:38am
We won’t have apples to apples comparisons of utility bills in this house because we have expanded the house, and we are also now living here full-time during the winter and that has never happened before.
catherine
11-21-22, 12:04pm
I got my first bill using my heat pump. The comparison was from last year, when our heating was from three old baseboard heaters, three space heaters and the wood stove. The only variable this year was the discontinuation of one space heater and the baseboard heat and the addition of the heat pump. The bill for the same time period this year vs last was $43 less. The average temperature was 3 degrees cooler this year. This bodes well for our investment in the heat pump.
Our cold weather utilities are a bit lower, largely due to shutting down the pool for the winter. Those things are pigs.
Last electric bill was $21 as I’m not using the ac.
Not eating out nearly as often. Living on what's left after the bills are paid.
dado potato
11-22-22, 6:34pm
Discretionary items can be reduced or eliminated, by consensus.
The New York Times sent a letter advising of a 20% increase in the subscription price. I discussed with DW: do we believe it will be worth $48 per month to receive the Sunday print edition in 2023? There are also online services available at no additionsal cost to subscribers. As it happened, we both thought the journalism of the NYT helps to enlarge our world, so we decided to let the subscription roll for another year.
Had we decided the 20% increase was unacceptable to us, we would have cancelled.
I bought a Washington post subscription a little over a year ago. When the renewal came up they wanted a significant increase. When I said no the offered me a significantly decreased price so I said yes.
The nytimes online is subscribed to by our library so I can access it for free but with the worthwhile hassle of re-upping my ‘subscription’ every three days.
I bought a Washington post subscription a little over a year ago. When the renewal came up they wanted a significant increase. When I said no the offered me a significantly decreased price so I said yes.
I've found that to be the case for both the Post and the NYT. I get the introductory rate of $4 a month for a year and then they have tried to raise the rate significantly. When I go to cancel my subscription they say, won't you come back for the introductory rate of $4 a month. It's happened two or three times now. A similar thing happened my the NYT cooking subscription.
That's just for the online subscription. It would be nice to have a real Sunday paper to spread out and read as sort of a tradition. I can imagine how that could be expensive the way postal rates are.
rosarugosa
11-24-22, 8:03am
I bought a Washington post subscription a little over a year ago. When the renewal came up they wanted a significant increase. When I said no the offered me a significantly decreased price so I said yes.
The nytimes online is subscribed to by our library so I can access it for free but with the worthwhile hassle of re-upping my ‘subscription’ every three days.
Thanks for mentioning this, JP. I checked my library's website, and I can completely read a local daily paper online through them (the city next door, but this paper includes news from my town), and I can search and read specific articles or topics in the NYT (Consumer Reports too). That was a nice discovery, especially since our local town newspaper is gone and has been replaced by a generic USA Today type of publication that doesn't include any actual news about our town.
frugal-one
11-24-22, 9:23am
Went to the grocery store yesterday and was shocked by the price of butter! It is almost $6 for a pound!
catherine
11-25-22, 7:56pm
Went to the grocery store yesterday and was shocked by the price of butter! It is almost $6 for a pound!
I know!! Our local food market had it on sale a couple of weeks ago for $2.50 and we bought as much as we were allows. Our freezer is stocked with butter now.
I bought a Washington post subscription a little over a year ago. When the renewal came up they wanted a significant increase. When I said no the offered me a significantly decreased price so I said yes.
The nytimes online is subscribed to by our library so I can access it for free but with the worthwhile hassle of re-upping my ‘subscription’ every three days.
I would desperately love a print subscription to The Economist, a weekly current affairs magazine out of the UK. It costs hundreds a year. I can get the digital edition free through my library. Reading it on my iPhone is somewhat challenging as I have to move around on pages to read everything. An iPad would solve that problem, but I don’t want to spend on an iPad now either. So I’ll continue to read it on my iPhone for free.
ToomuchStuff
11-27-22, 11:16am
I am getting ready to find out about how expensive it is to eat out and not sure what to take. First date in twenty seven years.
Eating less, which works because I still have weight to lose.
happystuff
11-27-22, 1:10pm
I am getting ready to find out about how expensive it is to eat out and not sure what to take. First date in twenty seven years.
Good luck! I hope you have fun! My suggestion is - if no alcohol, at least $40, if alcohol at least $60. LOL Of course, it all depends on where you eat, what you have and who you are with.
flowerseverywhere
11-27-22, 8:47pm
I would desperately love a print subscription to The Economist, a weekly current affairs magazine out of the UK. It costs hundreds a year. I can get the digital edition free through my library. Reading it on my iPhone is somewhat challenging as I have to move around on pages to read everything. An iPad would solve that problem, but I don’t want to spend on an iPad now either. So I’ll continue to read it on my iPhone for free.
I agree with the difficulty of using the phone. I have a refurbished Amazon Fire tablet. I’ve had it for two years and only use it to read NYT, washington post, plus books and magazines from the library. For the price it can’t be beat. They have a lot of Black Friday specials. It has saved me a ton of money. I never buy a magazine, newspaper, audio book or book. I do have to wait sometimes but who cares. And the NYT requires you to log in every three days but a few minutes saves so much money.
it took a while to get used to it because we loved reading print books, magazines and newspapers.
Just like with print books, I usually have lots and books on hold, but getting the NYT and Washington Post alone were worth it.
I would second the Amazon Fire recommendation.
With Apple products, you seemingly pay a premium for their perceived cachet.
I would second the Amazon Fire recommendation.
With Apple products, you seemingly pay a premium for their perceived cachet.
I have an iPhone 13 and an older (2015) MacBook Air, as well as an Apple Watch. I like how they seamlessly work together. I hate Android. Had it in the past. Never again.
frugal-one
11-28-22, 4:37pm
Shocked by the price of eggs… Costco organic eggs sold out before Thanksgiving… is there something else going on?
I'm paying $8.50 for pasture-raised eggs,18-count. Fifty cents an egg, so not a bad nutrition bargain.
catherine
11-28-22, 6:23pm
I'm paying $8.50 for pasture-raised eggs,18-count. Fifty cents an egg, so not a bad nutrition bargain.
I pay $5.50 for a dozen organic grass-fed eggs from one provider, and then sometimes we buy them from a local with a chicken coop who charges $3.50 for 10, but they're definitely not weighed or sized. Or even consistent in color, but their yolks sure are good!
Shocked by the price of eggs… Costco organic eggs sold out before Thanksgiving… is there something else going on?
I believe a lot of birds were culled this year due to bird flu.
sweetana3
11-28-22, 8:46pm
The various news sources said 50 million birds were lost or euthanized due to avian flu. It has affected birds across the whole spectrum from wild to domesticated to small backyard or large commercial growers.
I actually noticed the non-dairy "great buttery taste" butter substitute that I buy even took a big jump. I wonder what the deal with that is?
There have been some good grocery sales lately, probably something to do with the Holiday season. I've double up on some usual purchases and filled the cupboards.
flowerseverywhere
11-29-22, 2:52pm
I've changed my cooking habits. Instead of buying bread, I figured out how to make fabulous sourdough bread. I use the discard to make English muffins, muffins, pizza dough, pasta, Biscuits etc. Obviously I freeze them in small quantities so we don't grab some during the day. I only bake every week or so. I get most of what we eat at farmers markets including eggs. Meat is almost out of our diets.
I just started making yogurt again and am getting ready to experiment with cheeses, like mozarella, cottage cheese and so on. When I do go to the grocery it is for staples we use anyway when they are on sale.
We cut the cable a few months ago. We looked through the apps on our TV and eliminated some we never watched.
We almost never drink alcohol,.and DH used to sometimes have a beer or two when we did go out, so now an occasional beer at home is way cheaper.
Christmas will be much more frugal this year. Personally I would skip it except for the grandkids but no go with the in law side Oh well.
I've increased my meat intake lately, and decreased my intake of many other foodstuffs, so it all evens out. I regret my favorite grocer--Grocery Outlet--doesn't deliver--my bill would probably be half what it is.
ToomuchStuff
11-30-22, 12:18am
The various news sources said 50 million birds were lost or euthanized due to avian flu. It has affected birds across the whole spectrum from wild to domesticated to small backyard or large commercial growers.
Yup, hence the chicken shortages last year, and the turkey shortages this year, and the current fear that it is crossing back over into chickens again.
We've béen slowly adding freeze dried foods to the pantry. A little pricey up front, but with a 25 yr shelf life I consider to a good return on investment, especially considering current food inflation rates.
happystuff
12-2-22, 1:48pm
We've béen slowly adding freeze dried foods to the pantry. A little pricey up front, but with a 25 yr shelf life I consider to a good return on investment, especially considering current food inflation rates.
I am curious as to what freeze dried foods you have been getting. There is a lot out there and hard to tell what is worth it and what is not.
I think Costco sells survival foods; their offerings are usually good quality.
I am curious as to what freeze dried foods you have been getting. There is a lot out there and hard to tell what is worth it and what is not.
I've always been a big fan of the Mountain House products.
I am curious as to what freeze dried foods you have been getting. There is a lot out there and hard to tell what is worth it and what is not.
I wasn't expecting to be asked this question, I will refrain from answering it since I'm a mlm distributor with the company I buy from. That being said, there are a lot of choices available. From my understanding, the shelf life of the fd food depends a lot on the integrity of the packaging. Once the product is exposed to air, shelf life is reduced to about a year. That's why I prefer fd food sealed in cans.Plus the cans make pantry storage more efficient over bags.
We also prefer to have individual ingredients so we can cook like normal,only faster.
The Mountain House individual pouches are good for at least 30 years. Not too worried about shelf-life.
The #10 cans are good for 30+ years as well. I'm going through 20+ year old cans right now, and they seem just fine.
I prefer the cans for large-scale storage, and the pouches for more regular pantry rotation - they are tasty enough that they make fine meals when I am in a hurry.
I have a few MREs stashed aside for emergency. They are a little pricey but decent flavors, convenient, and nutritious. I suspect I will expire before they do. I've taken Mountain House backpacking and they have always tasted good. MREs have a full meal with a main course, maybe some crackers, a desert, drink, and sometimes a heat packet to warm things. They are quite a bit bulkier than a Mountain House packet.
I imagine for the only food source for longer that a few days there are more economical bulk supplies you can get through survivalist type web sites.
happystuff
12-3-22, 9:22pm
Thanks, everyone. I've had a couple Mountain House while camping and they weren't too bad. MRE's I remember from the service - LOL. While others complained, I actually didn't mind them.
Years ago when we cleaned out my mother's house after her death, we found gallon cans with some sort of MRE product leftover from the Cuban missile crisis. I guess people were prepping back then.
MRE's I remember from the service - LOL. While others complained, I actually didn't mind them.
MRE's came around a little too late for me, but I have fond memories of the c-rations which preceded them. I still have a P-38 on my key ring.
We used to refer to them as “meals rejected by Ethiopians” or “meals reputedly edible”. Myself, I kind of liked the spaghetti.
We used to refer to them as “meals rejected by Ethiopians” or “meals reputedly edible”. Myself, I kind of liked the spaghetti.
There is apparently an entire subculture devoted to collecting and taste-testing antique MREs.
https://www.youtube.com/@LetsGetThisOutOntoATrayNice
There is apparently an entire subculture devoted to collecting and taste-testing antique MREs.
https://www.youtube.com/@LetsGetThisOutOntoATrayNice
Is there nothing too ridiculous to become somebody’s hobby? I know those things were packaged to have a long shelf life, but they have to go bad eventually.
I did an experiment for several days earlier this week. The temperature outside was in the high-20s-to-mid-30s, with high winds at times. A bit of snow and ice glazed the roads for a few days, I was stuck home.
I set the house main heating system to 50°F. I did *not* use the woodstove, which is quite capable of heating the entire house fine when conditions are like this. The house interior remained ~ 53°F, so the main heater didn't quite kick in - the thermal mass and insulation of the house are quite good, and most of the bottom floor is carved into the rock of the mountain and has very steady temps year-round.
Using my supply of Icelandic sweaters and socks, and making plenty of warm tea, I was totally comfortable. Dog was also very very friendly. Money, electrical power, and firewood were saved. I feel like Jimmy Carter.
Profit!
happystuff
12-6-22, 10:48am
MRE's came around a little too late for me, but I have fond memories of the c-rations which preceded them. I still have a P-38 on my key ring.
Love the P-38's... aka John Wayne's. That is the only can opener in our kitchen and I also carry one in my backpack. LOL
iris lilies
12-6-22, 10:58am
I did an experiment for several days earlier this week. The temperature outside was in the high-20s-to-mid-30s, with high winds at times. A bit of snow and ice glazed the roads for a few days, I was stuck home.
I set the house main heating system to 50°F. I did *not* use the woodstove, which is quite capable of heating the entire house fine when conditions are like this. The house interior remained ~ 53°F, so the main heater didn't quite kick in - the thermal mass and insulation of the house are quite good, and most of the bottom floor is carved into the rock of the mountain and has very steady temps year-round.
Using my supply of Icelandic sweaters and socks, and making plenty of warm tea, I was totally comfortable. Dog was also very very friendly. Money, electrical power, and firewood were saved. I feel like Jimmy Carter.
Profit!
If you had cats I would have to report you for animal abuse. Cats WILL NOT be cold and dont you forget it! LOL
dado potato
12-6-22, 11:02am
Experian has published their Q3 2022 "State of the Automotive Finance Market" (available by subscription).
Inflation is evident in prices of new and used vehicles.
As of Q3 2022, for all new vehicles the average amount financed was $41,665 (new record high).
The average rate of interest was 5.2%.
The average loan payment on new car loans originated in Q3 2022 was $700, and the average loan term was 69.7 months.
The average used vehicle loan was $28,506 (new record high).
I would say the average car buyer has responded to inflation by borrowing more... and promising to make payments for a longer time period. While the average term for new car loans was 5 years +10 months, the maximum term was 7 years.
"I owe, I owe; so off to work I go!"
Credit unions' market share of originations increased from 20.1% in 3Q 2021 to 28.44% in 3Q 2022... the leading market share now. During the same period the market share of banks and captive finance companies declined.
Teacher Terry
12-6-22, 11:10am
Bae, eating 30 year old canned food and not turning on the heat. I see you are living the high life:)).
Bae, eating 30 year old canned food and not turning on the heat. I see you are living the high life:)).
The lifestyle of the wealthy is hard to appreciate.
frugal-one
12-6-22, 5:48pm
Did you put a sweater on the dog?
Did you put a sweater on the dog?
Well, he's a working bloodhound with a thick inner coat, and basically waterproof as well due to the outer coat, so he mostly hates warm weather. Cold weather, he'd be out all day if I let him.
frugal-one
12-6-22, 9:37pm
Bae…you said the dog was very very friendly…. thought maybe because he was cold.
Bae…you said the dog was very very friendly…. thought maybe because he was cold.
Yes, when he thinks it is in cold inside, he hustles me to get the woodstove going, as his bed is next to it. Then he gets too hot in about 5 mins and goes onto the stone floor of the mudroom to recover.
I think he believes an important part of being a partner-monkey is to make fire.
Yes, when he thinks it is in cold inside, he hustles me to get the woodstove going, as his bed is next to it. Then he gets too hot in about 5 mins and goes onto the stone floor of the mudroom to recover.
I think he believes an important part of being a partner-monkey is to make fire.
:laff:
rosarugosa
12-7-22, 7:28am
Experian has published their Q3 2022 "State of the Automotive Finance Market" (available by subscription).
Inflation is evident in prices of new and used vehicles.
As of Q3 2022, for all new vehicles the average amount financed was $41,665 (new record high).
The average rate of interest was 5.2%.
The average loan payment on new car loans originated in Q3 2022 was $700, and the average loan term was 69.7 months.
The average used vehicle loan was $28,506 (new record high).
I would say the average car buyer has responded to inflation by borrowing more... and promising to make payments for a longer time period. While the average term for new car loans was 5 years +10 months, the maximum term was 7 years.
"I owe, I owe; so off to work I go!"
Credit unions' market share of originations increased from 20.1% in 3Q 2021 to 28.44% in 3Q 2022... the leading market share now. During the same period the market share of banks and captive finance companies declined.
Those are crazy high payments, Dado. It's interesting that credit unions are taking a larger share of the market.
The Mountain House individual pouches are good for at least 30 years. Not too worried about shelf-life.
The #10 cans are good for 30+ years as well. I'm going through 20+ year old cans right now, and they seem just fine.
I prefer the cans for large-scale storage, and the pouches for more regular pantry rotation - they are tasty enough that they make fine meals when I am in a hurry.
Mountain House is mentioned in today's Bloomberg article about how preppers as a subculture are becoming more mainstream. People are driven by fear of climate change and geopolitical instability, and hence have more of a food hoarding mindset these days.
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2022-11-06/climate-change-is-launching-a-new-generation-of-preppers?utm_medium=cpc_social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=BLOM_RET_WEEKLYX_COALL_FB_SO_WTRF_REM XXXXXXX_HINTX_00XXXXCPM_1PCD_XXXX_ACTIVESUBAIQX_XX XXX_COALL_XXXEN_ALLFOA_PRAL_C3_EN_PG_NFLINKS&dclid=CjgKEAiAkMGcBhCA9pK84L6YqiYSJAD_uJvDCU72EGDK wS3E2wi_OCY65l3p0rwNerXqZb4WUUgZ-fD_BwE
I know a lot of campers who use MH meals. They’ve been available in the camping aisle at Walmart and and outdoor stores for a number of years.
I know a lot of campers who use MH meals. They’ve been available in the camping aisle at Walmart and and outdoor stores for a number of years.
It's definitely a world I'm not familiar with, as I don't identify as either a camper or a prepper. But still interesting. My idea of prepping is making sure there's enough half and half in the fridge for my morning coffee.
I know a lot of campers who use MH meals. They’ve been available in the camping aisle at Walmart and and outdoor stores for a number of years.
I think REI has has them forever.
As the human servant of two cats currently and three previously, not to mention all of the various cats that friends and family have served for over the years, I'm impressed by their ability to find either the warmest or coolest place in their home depending on the season. Our current cats figured out a couple of weeks after moving in with us that the second from the top step on our staircase (with open stairs) is directly in the path of the dining room furnace vent's airflow. Our previous cat Christian quickly figured out that lying on my feet when I was in bed was a good way to get extra warmth from below. My sister's long passed cats figured out that the fridge blew hot air out the bottom and hung out there so often that sister put a cat bed there and it became their favorite daytime napping spot.
There is apparently an entire subculture devoted to collecting and taste-testing antique MREs.
https://www.youtube.com/@LetsGetThisOutOntoATrayNice
It's interesting how some of the WWII era kits seemed to contain a five pack of no filter smokes. I imagine there was some bargaining for favorites. I've high graded deserts from a few of mine.
So true about the cats seeking warmth - my old Siamese parks his butt over the heater vent in the floor on cold mornings.
Teacher Terry
1-27-23, 2:02pm
Yesterday had our hoa board meeting and the management company said be prepared for a significant increase in our Hoa fees as locally NV Energy raised rates 22% and the water company 16%. Our heat, water and AC are on central boiler systems.
The other board members told me later that significant probably means between 100-150/month. It goes by the size of the unit so glad I have a small 2 bedroom. I can probably kiss goodbye my entire 110/month raise between my pension and SS. We have had many big expenses this year as the building is 44 years old. Luckily we have a healthy reserve fund. IL, wondering if your fees are experiencing similar increases. Some people on Nextdoor have been reporting that their energy bills are doubling.
The boss replenished the snacks at work so I am eating more of them until the healthy ones are all gone. Trying to eat what's in the house. Had some coconut oil straight out of the jar this morning and then I felt sick afterwards so I won't do that again.
Our HOA doesn't pay for any of the utilities for individual units. The major HOA expenses are insurance, gardeners, pool costs, and recycled water costs for the common areas. Thankfully none of these has gone up dramatically over the past year so our HOA fee only went up by about 4% this year. Hopefully that will continue.
Our electric/gas utility rates as well as water have definitely gone up though. Water rates have gone up almost 40% since last year and our usage is also up. I haven't looked to compare what electric/gas costs have done but we just paid $300 for the month ending in early January. It's been a lot colder this year so it's hard to compare without actually digging out last year's bills. And now SO is taking some time off work so we're actually using the heat all day because his tolerance for cool is a lot less than mine. I can hardly wait to see next month's bill...
Teacher Terry
1-28-23, 12:49am
JP, I forgot that you guys were in a condo. Of course there’s both advancements and disadvantages to be on central systems. I never have to worry about replacing a furnace, ac unit or water heater. The downside is those systems are really expensive to replace and people are more disconnected from their usage relative to hoa fees versus getting a bill every month.
ApatheticNoMore
1-28-23, 12:49am
Gas almost doubled in a month, usage is not out of line, and I don't even heat with gas, this is just cooking and water heating. I have an induction burner and a toaster oven and plan to use them (but the burner requires induction compatible pots - slowly acquiring. Most pots are induction compatible just not the ones I own. The water heater is probably more energy, but I'm experimenting with induction anyway, so 100% inflation is just more incentive). Meanwhile now the apartment wants to charge for shared bills that I have no control over as well. Bah.
I live in a condo but have my own furnace and water heater (both gas) and ac unit. My stove and clothes dryer are electric. Gas bill has been about $60 a month. My heat stays at 61. I go take a lot of long hot baths. Furnace is new. Electric bill had been about $26 this winter per month.
Electric bill is more in the summer since I run the ac a lot (can’t stand being hot then add in hot flashes).
I could get gas bill down some by taking fewer and shorter baths, but they are my stress relief.
Working on getting a free box of checks from my bank.
Teacher Terry
1-29-23, 12:46pm
I decided that I needed to adjust my budget to reflect the reality of inflation. I no longer can eat what I want and only spend 200/month on groceries. My new budget is 300. Most months I spend that much but occasionally it’s lower. At this age I am going to eat what I want and I am definitely not going to eat unhealthily to save money because that’s shortsighted. When you are aging health is everything.
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