As part of my mother’s moving from independent living to assisted living (February 2024) and then onward from assisted living into the next realm (January 2025) we have needed some assistance from a local moving company.
The February 2024 quote: “Charge is 2men $150 per hour 3h minimum, 1h travel time, $50 fuel plus materials (if we use any), $500 minimum.”
The January 2025 quote: “Hourly rate $185 2men 3h minimum 1h travel plus materials and fuel – starting $655 minimum.”
That’s a real-world annual inflation rate of 23 percent ($185/$150).
The latest official government inflation number from the Bureau of Labor Statistics was supposed to come out today. How does the BLS fantasy compare to our lived experience?
It’s kind of following the bounce in 1975, but definitely not going to repeat. Durable goods are way up because people are panic buying stuff ahead of a belief in future higher tariffs. We need cheaper durable goods from China to pay for the inflation of housing.
185? Holy shit am I not charging enough when I do freelance computer crap.
Part of the reason touched on in the politico article: Voters Were Right About the Economy. The Data Was Wrong
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/02/11/democrats-tricked-strong-economy-00203464