The inflation check challenge is a direct response to the higher gas prices on the return trip from Florida. In just ten days, there was a notable increase at the pumps. This prompted me to pay closer attention on a trip to the grocery store where things also seemed a wee bit pricier. So, I decided to issue the inflation check challenge to my readers.
How the Inflation Check Challenge Works
The first step in the inflation check challenge is to create a basket of goods to keep track of price. Items should be products (or services) that are purchased on a year-round basis. Thus, seasonal goods such as Valentine Candy or Easter Baskets are eliminated. The ideal basket will include ten to twenty consumable items. Food, gas, and medicinal items make the bulk of the basket. A key is to make the list reflect your regular spending habits.
Next, either buy or price these goods before the end of the month. This will create the base price. However, price is not the only indication of inflation. In some cases, suppliers are holding the price steady but decreasing the amount provided. For example, I have included a can of cream style corn. The can looks to be the same size but now there are only 14.75 ounces. But in the past the container held 16 ounces. So , it is important to record both price and quantity. Finally, you may want to note the merchant providing the good or service.
Then save your list to an Xcel sheet or if writing out long-hand, place somewhere safe so it won’t get tossed. AND a place easily remembered! Because at the end of April, July, and October we re-visit the Inflation Check Challenge. Of course, those so inclined can record monthly changes as well.
2021 Inflation Monitoring
2021 will provide mixed signals about inflation. But, year over year comparisons will be especially troublesome due to the Covid-19 shut downs in 2020. Even though the United States did not have a complete lockdown similar to the Wuhan Province in the People’s Republic of China, productivity plummeted in March through June of 2020. So did spending. Perhaps a comparison to that same time period in 2019 would provide more insight.
Other concerns regarding inflation come from pent-up demand. This will be an uneven demand as some states are more open for business than others. However, even individuals in the “open” states have had travel curbed. So, late in 2021 I think we will see more than just a return to normal. However, I do not know how long excess spending will continue. If at all.
Families have not only pushed back memorial services, but many young couples have delayed their nuptials. Furthermore, our mobile society has been hampered by the uneven ability to travel to locales such as Hawaii or New Mexico. I think we will have a major boom next fall. So, how long will this return to consumption last?
In economics, a low level of inflation is preferable to disinflation or worse, deflation. But stagflation such as experienced by America in the 1970’s and hyperinflation, which both Venezuela and the South Sudan have been battling are two concerns. Thus a need for monitoring inflation on an individual as well as a national basis.
Inflation Check Challenge List
I have fifteen items on my list including one fast food treat. If I snagged a sale price, I also list the regular price. Your list will be different than mine. The list should be a reflection of normal purchases that are quickly consumed. Therefore, don't include durable goods such as a new car or dishwasher.
Item
Planet Oat Extra Creamy Original Oat Milk
Small Bag Signature Select Sugar
Signature Select Cream Style Corn
Fleischmann’s Active Dry Yeast
Bananas
Kraft Real Mayo
Meow Mix
Morton Salt
Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste
Align Probiotics
Tide Botanical Rain Detergent
Kerr Regular Mouth Canning Lids
3M Ad. Allergy Furnace Filter
Dunkin Donut-Boston Cream
Regular Unleaded Gas
Amount
52 Oz.
4 Lbs.
14.75 Oz.
4 Oz.
1 Lb.
30 Oz.
6.3 Lbs.
26 Oz.
4.6 Oz.
28 Caps.
92 Oz.
12
1
Single
1 Gal.
Purchase Price
$ 3.49
2.99
0.69
6.99
0.59
3.79
7.78
0.94
4.99
26.58
11.97
3.18
15.88
0.99
$ 2.36
Regular Price
$ 3.99
4.99
1.19
5.99
Inflation Check Challenge-Share your Basket
For those that participated in a previous Econogal Challenge, I hope you will take this on as well. This is the basket of goods I will keep track of during 2021. The future is impossible to predict. But we can record the present. What is in your basket?
I had noticed the increases in gas prices and groceries for sure. I am also to stick in some medications, as they seem to be going up faster than anything. It will be a nice exercise.
Glad you are joining the challenge. Should be an interesting year for prices.