Cost of Living

[CrosspoolClarets]

The trouble there is obviously how property prices have gone up compared to wages. For many younger people it's take that risk or not get anything.

You’re right but the normal rules of investing still apply, buy low and sell high. The trouble is, houses have been high for decades so as you say people may miss out and never own a home. Realistically though they won’t own it anyway, the bank will. A tough call if you would rather have a landlord you pay rent to or a bank you pay mortgage interest to. I would choose the latter just for more independence on what I can do with the house but only if the finances stack up compared to renting.

I see the property price rise as the biggest abhorrent issue of our time, and there are big rivals for that award. It has hugely widened inequality and increased dependence on a landlord. Many older middle class people have made a fortune but one can question if that is for the best,

[DCWat]

Biggest thing I’ve noticed is the cost of travel, accommodation and eating out, for work. They’re prices that we have no choice but to pay but it’s difficult - we uplifted our prices by 6% but at the start of the new financial year, but really, that wasn’t enough. We will more than likely now need to include a fuel surcharge until (who knows when) we start to see fuel prices drop back down.

One thing I can’t get my head around is this regular bleating about the need for a high wage economy. Bump wages up and demand for products and services will rise, which will surely only serve push prices up further. Sounds more of a vicious circle to me.

Even if the high wage economy is more a focus on higher skilled jobs etc. it won’t benefit those stuck in lower skilled jobs or past an age to retrain.

We’re in the process of getting quotes for a lot of work done at home - quite possibly the worst time to be doing it with the increase in the cost of pretty much everything

[CoolClaret]

a lot of people crying poverty on this thread but all appear to have computers, phones, tablets and the internet. Strange that.

God forbid in 2022 that mere common folk in a first world Country that should have access to the internet and a mobile phone.

They’re pretty much a frigging requirement if you want to do anything that isn’t farming/going for a walk in nature

[CaptJohn]

Just back from the USA and wow has inflation hit that country. Bonkers prices for petrol, up to about 50% the cost in this country. I can see insurrection over there if it goes any higher. They like their V8s and paying very little for their gas. Freeways are still full though.

[pushpinpussy]

God forbid in 2022 that mere common folk in a first world Country that should have access to the internet and a mobile phone.

They’re pretty much a frigging requirement if you want to do anything that isn’t farming/going for a walk in nature

lets get this straight. some people on this thread would rather eat less food and sit in a cold room but have access to the internet. if that makes me a dick, what does it make them.

[DCWat]

a lot of people crying poverty on this thread but all appear to have computers, phones, tablets and the internet. Strange that.

There are a hell of a lot more things in the modern world that could be seen as essential, than when earlier generations were setting foot on, and progressing up, the housing ladder.

A phone is a pretty basic essential, particularly as many people now either don’t have a home phone or only have one because they’re obliged to for their internet connection.

The internet is seen by the government as an essential requirement - having good speed internet access available to all has been a target for years. If the internet was just social media, I’d get your point, it’s blatantly far more than that and most companies want to deal with you on line, making the need for it more and more essential.

Not essential but most companies now are seeking monthly commitments; TV, Music, Food, Drink, News, Software Applications, Data Storage, etc. etc. etc.

I can see why some people feel a need to subscribe to so many services. It shouldn’t be at the expense of the true essentials but the world we live in there are so many other expenses that previous generations would never have even had to consider.

[NickBFC]

Just back from the USA and wow has inflation hit that country. Bonkers prices for petrol, up to about 50% the cost in this country. I can see insurrection over there if it goes any higher. They like their V8s and paying very little for their gas. Freeways are still full though.

Returned home from New York last week, was taken back how expensive it has become there (was never cheap!), makes London look good value! $15 for a can of beer at the baseball, $12+ a small bottled beer in restaurants etc.

As for the cost of living, my council tax and energy bills alone are fast approaching £800 a month. Absolutely ridiculous and will have to think hard about heating the house anywhere near as much as we usually do this winter.

[tarkys_ears]

I’m trying harder than ever to persuade family and friends not to vote for the Tories ever again

So are the tories

[distortiondave]

Cutting your own expenses by not going to the pub, or eating out, or getting a take away, or going to the local cafe, or not using the local shops has a deleterious effect on your local community and puts those who work in those places at risk.

One must look after oneself first, of course, but if you can afford to go out for a meal once a week then you still should because it matters enormously to those places. I've actually started saving money by doing a local daily shop for what I need, rather than a fortnightly one to the supermarket for stuff I think I might need but often end up wasting. Each individual item might be more expensive, and it's less convenient, but there's next to zero waste.

It also matters to have something nice to do for yourself - it can't just be about working, making tea, putting the kids to bed, having an hour in front of the telly, then going to bed, then working, making tea, putting the kids to bed, watching telly, going to bed, working, tea, kids, telly, bed. Saving a few quid by doing that will just make you fat, lazy and docile. You don't want to end up like me, and I don't even have kids!

[CaptJohn]

I see the property price rise as the biggest abhorrent issue of our time, and there are big rivals for that award. It has hugely widened inequality and increased dependence on a landlord. Many older middle class people have made a fortune but one can question if that is for the best,

Agree entirely. I'm one of those that is mortgage free and have made a lot on house prices. I can only realise that profit if I sell though so I'd be happy to see prices fall 50% to help the younger generation keep a roof over their heads. I think that house prices are due a correction downwards but I doubt it's going to be 50%. Of course the govt may try to manipulate prices which would be a mistake similar to this dumb windfall tax on energy companies that will have all sorts of unintended consequences, lack of investment being one of them. Market forces will always prevail but I can't see house prices going up too much in the short term due to this cost of living squeeze and the Clarets being relegated.

[Venkys4eva]

Agree entirely. I'm one of those that is mortgage free and have made a lot on house prices. I can only realise that profit if I sell though so I'd be happy to see prices fall 50% to help the younger generation keep a roof over their heads. I think that house prices are due a correction downwards but I doubt it's going to be 50%. Of course the govt may try to manipulate prices which would be a mistake similar to this dumb windfall tax on energy companies that will have all sorts of unintended consequences, lack of investment being one of them. Market forces will always prevail but I can't see house prices going up too much in the short term due to this cost of living squeeze and the Clarets being relegated.

You can buy a house in Burnley for under 50k

[Marney&Mee]

Cutting your own expenses by not going to the pub, or eating out, or getting a take away, or going to the local cafe, or not using the local shops has a deleterious effect on your local community and puts those who work in those places at risk.

One must look after oneself first, of course, but if you can afford to go out for a meal once a week then you still should because it matters enormously to those places. I've actually started saving money by doing a local daily shop for what I need, rather than a fortnightly one to the supermarket for stuff I think I might need but often end up wasting. Each individual item might be more expensive, and it's less convenient, but there's next to zero waste.

It also matters to have something nice to do for yourself - it can't just be about working, making tea, putting the kids to bed, having an hour in front of the telly, then going to bed, then working, making tea, putting the kids to bed, watching telly, going to bed, working, tea, kids, telly, bed. Saving a few quid by doing that will just make you fat, lazy and docile. You don't want to end up like me, and I don't even have kids!

Whose kids do you put to bed Dave?

[Paul Waine]

Got an email today from my energy supplier telling me that they plan to increase my monthly dd by nearly 90%. That's a couple of days after I received my monthly statement, with up to date (and accurate) meter readings where I'm in credit. It's summer. I expect to stay in credit on the existing dd until September. I don't mind building up a bit of credit. But, we expect gas and elec charges, based on cap, to go up again on 1st October. (My 12 month fix ended early April). I'll give them a call and ask them to explain how they've worked out my forecast usage for next 12 months and what prices they are using. I've switched all my lighting to LEDs. Looking where I can turn down heating or top up insulation. Extra layer/warmer clothing will be the norm through winter, I guess. Energy bills will be the biggest extra cost by far.

Don't drive a lot these days, less than 3,000 miles per year since 2016. So, don't spend an enormous amount on petrol.

Cancelled my NOW (Sky) tv sports subscription earlier this week. It was £20/month for 10 months, changing to £35/month if I didn't cancel. It fitted nicely with the season just gone. We are now living with covid-19, so can get to a pub to watch games on tv (and Clarets won't be on so often this coming season). (Still got BT Sports mainly for European games).

[gandhisflipflop]

Just back from the USA and wow has inflation hit that country. Bonkers prices for petrol, up to about 50% the cost in this country. I can see insurrection over there if it goes any higher. They like their V8s and paying very little for their gas. Freeways are still full though.

Serves them right for voting in an incompetent president which ousted one of the best presidents in recent times.

[evensteadiereddie]

[Billy Balfour]

He's here all week, folks.

[Stayingup]

I've recently been in Spain. Prices there have not noticeably increased since my last visit in March. The government reduced prices on electricity by 30% in April. They are reducing it by 40% soon. Its also less expensive for food and drink than UK. Something very wrong here. I know what but I dont want say to upset the hand wringers.

[Lancasterclaret]

I've recently been in Spain. Prices there have not noticeably increased since my last visit in March. The government reduced prices on electricity by 30% in April. They are reducing it by 40% soon. Its also less expensive for food and drink than UK. Something very wrong here. I know what but I dont want say to upset the hand wringers.

I know what it is, but I reckon you've convinced yourself that its not that, I mean, how could it be?

[ksrclaret]

After all this time and all the evidence to the contrary, you still get to hear things such as "Boris is doing his best for us" from working class people who are being royally shat on day after day, week after week.

It's only going to get worse. Things are going to get really ugly this coming winter.

[Cirrus_Minor]

Just completed a week in Keswick. The first day went for a pub meal - for fish and chips twice plus 2 pints cost me just short of £48!!

Fortunately we took many meals with us for the rest of the week.

[Stayingup]

I know what it is, but I reckon you've convinced yourself that its not that, I mean, how could it be?

I know what it is and I am practical and in business. You?

[fatboy47]

Got an email today from my energy supplier telling me that they plan to increase my monthly dd by nearly 90%. That's a couple of days after I received my monthly statement, with up to date (and accurate) meter readings where I'm in credit. It's summer. I expect to stay in credit on the existing dd until September. I don't mind building up a bit of credit. But, we expect gas and elec charges, based on cap, to go up again on 1st October. (My 12 month fix ended early April). I'll give them a call and ask them to explain how they've worked out my forecast usage for next 12 months and what prices they are using. I've switched all my lighting to LEDs. Looking where I can turn down heating or top up insulation. Extra layer/warmer clothing will be the norm through winter, I guess. Energy bills will be the biggest extra cost by far.

Exciting times.

[Lancasterclaret]

I know what it is and I am practical and in business. You?

I know what it is because its not affecting our European neighbours in the same way

I'm more than willing to hear your theory though!

[taio]

I know what it is because its not affecting our European neighbours in the same way

I'm more than willing to hear your theory though!

What's not affecting them in the same way - inflation?

[RVclaret]

I know what it is because its not affecting our European neighbours in the same way

I'm more than willing to hear your theory though!

It absolutely is affecting Europeans. Slowing economic growth and high inflation. Same thing.

[Lowbankclaret]

Being as others have make this thread political, I think I can have my 2p worth.

This rise in the cost living is all to do with the war in Ukraine. And it’s hard for me to say as I hate the Tories, it’s not their fault.

The sanctions on oil and gas. Russias blockade on food from Ukraine, the supplier of 20% of the worlds wheat and grain. Plus cooking oils.

For my part in reducing my electricity bills i have just accepted to have a 6kw solar array fitted with a 4.8 kw battery storage. At a cost of £10.500. This will pay back the investment in 10 years and be positive by £38 k over its 25 year life span. It will increase the value of the house in case we sell. So bit of a no brainer.

Loads of people buy cars that lose that money in three years and think it’s a good deal.

[CoolClaret]

Being as others have make this thread political, I think I can have my 2p worth.

This rise in the cost living is all to do with the war in Ukraine. And it’s hard for me to say as I hate the Tories, it’s not their fault.

The sanctions on oil and gas. Russias blockade on food from Ukraine, the supplier of 20% of the worlds wheat and grain. Plus cooking oils.

For my part in reducing my electricity bills i have just accepted to have a 6kw solar array fitted with a 4.8 kw battery storage. At a cost of £10.500. This will pay back the investment in 10 years and be positive by £38 k over its 25 year life span. It will increase the value of the house in case we sell. So bit of a no brainer.

Loads of people buy cars that lose that money in three years and think it’s a good deal.

******** - They’re using it as an excuse.

[RVclaret]

This rise in the cost living is all to do with the war in Ukraine. And it’s hard for me to say as I hate the Tories, it’s not their fault.

Sure, it’s a part of it, but it’s not all to do with it.

Inflation was soaring BEFORE the war. It’s been stickier because of the war for the reasons you mention.

But what we are seeing is largely the ‘pandemic hangover’, resultant of the lockdowns around the world, closed ports in China / elsewhere causing massive supply chain issues, big increases in demand for home building houses, used car demand - half of that arguably down to some of the slack monetary policy of central banks / governments.

The US in particular provided two rounds of ‘stimulus’ in peoples bank accounts, while the UK had the furlough scheme / bounce back loans etc.

The war has since added to this mix to make a nasty inflationary cocktail.

[Burnley Ace]

I've recently been in Spain. Prices there have not noticeably increased since my last visit in March. The government reduced prices on electricity by 30% in April. They are reducing it by 40% soon. Its also less expensive for food and drink than UK. Something very wrong here. I know what but I dont want say to upset the hand wringers.

Hasn’t Spain (and Portugal) withdrawn from the EU common power agreement which has allowed them to reduce the prices given their excess of solar power?

https://www.politico.eu/article/spain-p ... -down/amp/

[JoeAM89]

- Started using Vinted for buying and selling clothes - gone are the days of buying new branded items of clothing
- Switched from branded to supermarket own brand
- Barely any takeaways now
- Started camping more instead of staying in hotels for weekend breaks

[Bin Ont Turf]

Beer's gone up.

This sh1t just got real.

[Taffy on the wing]

I’m trying harder than ever to persuade family and friends not to vote for the Tories ever again

Good luck.....i've given up on mine.
I just can't compete with the Daily Mail.

[Taffy on the wing]

America is almost unlivable under the Biden government. Food gas ( petrol) energy houses rent hotels travel etc etc all Sky rocketing

Oh yes.........it's ALL Bidens' fault......give me a break!

[Lowbankclaret]

******** - They’re using it as an excuse.

What planet are you from. Oil prices are set globally, not by the Tories.
All the other oil producers a not increasing production as this means they get richer because Russian is struggling to sell it oil.

What your saying is every country in the world using Ukraine to put its people into poverty. The EU, the UK, the Us and most of Africa.

Perhaps you could read up on the geopolitical world and how it works.

[Lowbankclaret]

Sure, it’s a part of it, but it’s not all to do with it.

Inflation was soaring BEFORE the war. It’s been stickier because of the war for the reasons you mention.

But what we are seeing is largely the ‘pandemic hangover’, resultant of the lockdowns around the world, closed ports in China / elsewhere causing massive supply chain issues, big increases in demand for home building houses, used car demand - half of that arguably down to some of the slack monetary policy of central banks / governments.

The US in particular provided two rounds of ‘stimulus’ in peoples bank accounts, while the UK had the furlough scheme / bounce back loans etc.

The war has since added to this mix to make a nasty inflationary cocktail.

I am not going to argue, but if your going to argue for tighter monetary policy. Back in the day when inflation was at 8% . Interest rates would have been 16-20% . I bought my first house when interest rates were 16.4% for my mortgage. Not sure people would accept that rate today.

[DCWat]

- Started using Vinted for buying and selling clothes - gone are the days of buying new branded items of clothing
- Switched from branded to supermarket own brand
- Barely any takeaways now
- Started camping more instead of staying in hotels for weekend breaks

Eustice will be proud, you may even have given him a couple of new ideas, here!

[claret2018]

The war in Ukraine and Covid have been very very good for the government, they can blame everything on those

[IanMcL]

You’re underestimating the difficulty of making folk see the folly of their ways, even in the face of overwhelming evidence.

[dsr]

Just completed a week in Keswick. The first day went for a pub meal - for fish and chips twice plus 2 pints cost me just short of £48!!

Fortunately we took many meals with us for the rest of the week.

That's not inflation. That's just a factor that if you eat in stupidly expensive restaurants, you'll pay stupidly expensive prices.

I paid half that for fish and chip in a London hotel last week. And in a proper fish and chip shop, you can halve it again.

[groove]

This goes far beyond the Tories and Biden.

[jurek]

Quite a few folk (including myself and lady wife) actually
saved a fair amount during Covid. We didn't do much if any socialising or
go out anywhere nor on holiday.
I was quite surprised at how much less we were spending.

We were comfortably off before Covid
and although we're slowly beginning to do some of the things
we used to do prior to Covid we're still not used up all that we saved.

So we're lucky really compared to most but we'll need to
tighten our belts in the Autumn when the next hike in energy prices hits us.

And I feel really sorry for those who are already struggling as I know many are
and where possible we shall do all we can to help them.

But I fear it's going to get considerably worse over the next year or so
as can't see fuel prices dropping much or quickly nor can I see the government
reducing fuel duty or VAT by any significant amount.
Nor can I see the war in Ukraine ending soon either.
But can see inflation getting even higher.

There's little or no good news on cost of living.
But for some it'll be tightening the belt by a notch or two.
But I fear for a lot of folk there's not many, if any notches left.

[CombatClaret]

I feel for anyone who has to make one-off purchases right now. And not luxuries, still things you need to live.

A lot of the focus is on sticky prices of things we buy regularly from the supermarket so we know what we should be paying. But what about the things we don't buy lots off so have less value reference?

I moved around 11months ago and compared an order of basic bits from Ikea then to now and everything is up 20-45%
Everyday living stuff eg: kitchen chair £30 to £40, a cutlery set from £25 to £39. In less than a year, unbelievable.

[Taffy on the wing]

Just back from the USA and wow has inflation hit that country. Bonkers prices for petrol, up to about 50% the cost in this country. I can see insurrection over there if it goes any higher. They like their V8s and paying very little for their gas. Freeways are still full though.

In LA the price of gas is now around $7.00 per gallon US.....( 16oz pints here) it went on to say the equivalent in UK was $8.50.......other parts of US are much lower.

Where were you CaptJohn?

[Damo]

I've stopped saying "bring £2 per litre for petrol on" on football messageboards in an attempt to lobby the government to buy missiles for the war in Ukraine

[MalaysiaMo]

I have thousands of clients all over the world and trust me, they are having it just as hard, if not harder in many of those countries...

They have also looked on in envy at the handouts the government has given us in the UK over the last 2 plus years and are always mentioning to me that they have had nowhere near as much support as we've had... I'd also say that my UK clients are holding out the best out of all my clients in other Western countries.

I live overseas. Believe me - that government of yours has completely balls-up. And they appear to have no ideas of how to get out of the hole they've dragged the UK in.

[pushpinpussy]

so what i have gathered is that some posters on this thread would rather put their health at risk by eating less food and by turning their heating off rather than give up their internet for a few months as they claim that is an essential these days. jesus wept. no wonder our country is in a mess.

[taio]

so what i have gathered is that some posters on this thread would rather put their health at risk by eating less food and by turning their heating off rather than give up their internet for a few months as they claim that is an essential these days. jesus wept. no wonder our country is in a mess.

The internet is an essential for many people, such as those who have to work from home.

[Cirrus_Minor]

That's not inflation. That's just a factor that if you eat in stupidly expensive restaurants, you'll pay stupidly expensive prices.

I paid half that for fish and chip in a London hotel last week. And in a proper fish and chip shop, you can halve it again.

It wasn’t a restaurant, it was a pub and not a fancy pub at that.

[CoolClaret]

What planet are you from. Oil prices are set globally, not by the Tories.
All the other oil producers a not increasing production as this means they get richer because Russian is struggling to sell it oil.

What your saying is every country in the world using Ukraine to put its people into poverty. The EU, the UK, the Us and most of Africa.

Perhaps you could read up on the geopolitical world and how it works.

They = global corporate lobbying entities. Not just the tories.

[JohnMcGreal]

The war in Ukraine and Covid have been very very good for the government, they can blame everything on those

Indeed.

There are multiple global crises which are affecting every country, to varying degrees.

However, the UK government has done something uniquely stupid which no other country in the world has done, and it's making a bad situation even worse, which was always inevitable.