Raising Wages? Consider Inflation vs Real Inflation
Are you sick of hearing the word inflation? I about am. Prices have been on such a roller coaster I’ve basically zoned out.
Is lumber still ridiculously high or did it drop? Steel? Pickup trucks? Eggs? In most cases it feels like prices are coming down but maybe that was last week’s news.
Here is a stark consideration: Inflation is only real (for you) if you buy or sell something.
Let’s say since early 2020 you’ve been living in the same house, have the same mortgage, and are driving the same minivan. The impact of inflation on your lifestyle is substantially lower than someone who bought their first home and vehicle in 2023.
This is a highly underrated point, but a highly relevant one when it comes to wage discussions.
If your average employee is 23 years old, rents an apartment, and buys new vehicles and toys frequently, their monthly expenses might be up 25% (or more) from 3 years ago.
If your average employee is 45 years old, has owned a home for 15 years, and drives a 7-year-old minivan, their monthly budget might be up 10% or less.
Something to ponder as you navigate the murky world of wage reviews this fall and winter.
