Inflation And Seniors Who Own Their Own Homes And Have A Positive Revenue Stream -- June 13, 2022

Beer: oh, before I forget. 

"All" beer is on sale at Target. First of all, I have seen no price increases in beer at Total Wine or Target or Albertson's for over two years. I am disappointed if I can't find a six-pack of IPA for $9.99. I don't think that's ever happened here in Texas (that I can't find a six-pack at $9.99 -- the same price I paid two years ago). 

And today, at Target, many of the IPAs are discounted to $8.99. Yes, I stocked up. A huge "thank you" to a reader who recommended

Let's see: $9.99 --> $8.99 is a ten percent discount. 

What's that I hear about inflation?

Here in Texas: you know, I had not thought of that until looked at what I wrote above: Texas really does seem to still be its own country.

But I digress. Some interesting data points.

First, in a recent poll covering many economic issues, this one surprised me: only 34% of Americans were concerned about inflation. I would have expected closer to 100%.

But look at the graphic and note what is affecting the inflation number. One can quickly see why only 34% of Americans are worried about inflation. The thirty-four percent? All apartment dwellers. LOL.

Everything else can be managed.

Second, go back and look at "first." 

Third, for US seniors (those over 65 years of age, and generally retired) who own their own homes, with a positive revenue stream, this could be the best years of their lives. They have the opportunity to scarf up really cheap equities -- equities be sold on a "fire sale" basis in anticipation of the Fed raising rates 50 basis points (whoop-de-doo). 

But look at that graph:

• seniors don't drive much (so gasoline, new cars and used cars are not an issue);
• only a small proportion of seniors even travel any more (so airlines and hotels are not an issue);
• dining out? ditto
• and the list goes on from there.

As one of those seniors, my biggest expense is buying gelato for Sophia.

Seniors with positive revenue streams? How can that be? How can that be:

• their homes completely paid off and appreciating 25% each year: one huge ATM;
• pensions;
• military lifers -- probably the most fortunate of all ("free" healthcare for life);
• IRAs -- RMDs;
• portfolios -- well managed, huge dividend payers after thirty years of accumulating shares in dividend-paying stocks;
• inheritance from their parents, part of the great generation -- Tom Brokaw

***************************
Great Weekend

Wow, we had a great weekend.

Among the many things we did, we spent Sunday evening at the pool with a "play date" for Sophia.

It turns out, her friend is an only child and her parents are Indian who are -- to quote Mr Biden -- making more money than God -- they make at least two huge international trips every year, purely for vacation.

It seems they travel so much I asked Ms Vinisha if she or her husband even had time to work. She laughed and said they both worked for one purpose: to travel.

They have been everywhere. They are now preparing for another trip to France. She loves white wine, and that's probably the reason they are going to France.

The parents, I assume, are in their late thirties, and have one daughter. 

Their favorite destination: China. Particularly, China. 

But they love Mexico -- it's so inexpensive. And living near DFW, they can easily hop a flight from Dallas and easily spend a four-day weekend in a resort near, but not in, Cancun. Cancun is for the peasants, apparently.

They have been everywhere in the states. They say the best place to live is near DFW. Perfect weather, and inexpensive flights to the Caribbean, and flights to every major city worldwide.

Me? I'm done traveling. My favorite excursion is a bicycle trip to Target, though I am looking forward to a cross-country trip to the US Northwest later this summer. 

But, wow, more money than God. Thank you, Mr Biden, for a great sound bite.  

Oh, that reminds me, as military lifers, LOL, when we lived in Germany for seven years, our kids were so sick and tired of visiting Paris, they often refused to go. LOL. And German castles? They've seen them all. Summer and winter. During the winter, we would ski cross-country to German castles and enjoy Glühwein.