The cost of living - COL.

[jujube]

Meanwhile our Medicare Part B premium is expected to increase by 12.6% which will wipe out a good chunk of our piddly little COLA increase.

https://www.aarp.org/medicare/medicare-part-b-premium-increase-2026/

I just got the notice about my drug policy's 2026 monthly premium.....it will almost DOUBLE.

Of course, they're crowing about "preferred generics" going down to $2 BUT last year, they moved two of my preferred generics up to Tier Two generics, which cost more. Unfortunately, there AREN'T any "preferred" generics for those drugs.

Luckily, it's not going to bankrupt me but I will be shopping around. I fear it'll probably be the same all over.

 

[squatting dog]

We should all spend less money, keep the money in the bank.

We keep trying, but, it's an uphill battle. Just today for instance... went to get some more tide laundry detergent. Same box we've been buying forever. Yes, it always kept creeping up in price, but, this time, the same box I got 3 weeks ago for $22.95 is now $34.95.
I've searched and searched for a reason for such a huge spike in price. NOTHING. (guess I'll write it off to pure greed).

 

[Aunt Bea]

I signed my new lease yesterday, rent is up 8.5% for the coming year.

I’m anxious to see the new drug tiers for my 2026 prescriptions. I’m afraid that, as @jujube mentioned above, 2026 will have some significant changes. The good news is that out of pocket drug costs are capped at $2,000.00/year. It’s a significant cost but some of my prescriptions would cost more than that each month if it wasn’t for Medicare and my Advantage Plan.

The Federal Reserve interest rate cuts are good news for borrowers and investors in the short term but they mean less interest income and potentially higher prices for me in the months ahead.

Not really complaining but a bit concerned about navigating the shifting economy over the next couple of years.

 

[HoneyNut]

So far my condo fee is going to rise by 6% and my umbrella insurance by 10%. Too soon to know about car and home insurance. Looks like if I stay in the same part D drug plan the monthly premium is going from zero to $5.60, but I haven't checked whether the prescription I take is going to stay at the preferred level or not.

I sure don't see how they can say inflation is under 3%, what hasn't gone up?

 

[jujube]

And along with INflation comes SHRINKflation.

For instance, I have a certain kind of crackers I like that come in three sleeves in the box. I noticed that the sleeves are much shorter than the box, whereas they used to come to the top. Box is same size.

AND the price has gone up, of course....