What We Will Be Talking About Tomorrow -- SS COLA -- McDonalds -- Big Mac -- October 12, 2022

Two links: both with lots of ads. The second link is probably better:

• nj.com:
• US News.com:

Comments:

• the 2023 SS COLA will be announced tomorrow, Thursday, October 13, 2022;
• will be the highest increase in 40 years
• my estimate: 8.5%
• but it's an election year which could push it to 9.0%
• will be based on 3Q22 data from the CPI-W
• range by analysts: 8.7% to 9.6% 
• highest increase since the 1980s when the COLA was 11.2%
• and, note this:
  

In September 2022, Medicare announced that 2023 Part B premiums would decrease slightly. “Since Medicare costs come out of many people’s Social Security income, the COLA applied to their benefit should be more noticeable,” says Brian Kuhn, a senior vice president and financial advisor at Wealth Enhancement Group in Fulton, Maryland.

So, whatever your current monthly SS check is, multiply by 1.08 to get an idea of what your new SS check will be. 

*********************************
McDonald's

McDonald's Big Mac:

• 2021: $6.05 (February 18, 2022) -- link here. Not stated but this is probably the Big Mac meal.
  
• 2022:  $3.99 (September 5, 2022) -- link here; a meal, $5.99.

From the blog, June 7, 2021:

Inflation. Price of McDonald's "Big Mac" over the decades -- Big Mac alone (Big Mac Meal):

• today, updated June, 2021: $3.99 ($5.99 and for a dime more, large French fries)
  
• 2020s: $4.95 ($7.89)
• 2010s: $4.19
• 2000s: $2.39
• 1990s: $2.45 ($4.59)
• 1980s: $1.60 ($2.59)
• 1970s: 65 cents
• 1960s: 45 cents 

 

• recent prices, February 17, 2021:
• Big Mac: $4.99
• Big Mac -- meal: $5.99
• French Fries: $1.39, $1.79, $1.89  (obviously, if you "move up," skip the medium and go for the "large" for only a dime more)

On my McDonald's App on my iPad right now: still breakfast. Big Mac not yet available for the day. Will check later.