I'm frequently reminded of the decreasing value of our money. Our economic system is a bit of a sham because governments deliberately try to pretend that inflation is normal and necessary for a growing economy. It allows them the chance to avoid paying for things upfront by printing new cash. It's all smoke and mirrors.
Citizens are tricked when told that prices are rising. In fact, what they are actually witnessing is the decrease in value of a nation's currency and all savings held in it. Of course, wage earners aren't further ahead just because their incomes rise a little. Even when paychecks double over time, the cost of living increases by just as much if not more. It's all just a shell game. I figure that since 1998, our average costs are about four times higher. My apartment isn't any more valuable than when I moved into it, but money is now worth many times less.
Still, there are areas where innovation and smart businesses can actually lower the cost of products in such a scenario. I just got a packet with new eyeglasses from Zenni. I paid the equivalent of around US $86 for new progressive, darkening lenses in new frames.
I first got glasses in fourth grade when Mrs. Duke was my teacher. That was 55 years ago. I think today's arrival is probably much cheaper when compared to income from that bygone era. When I was old enough to begin paying for my own specs, I paid more than I did today. I'm getting more sophisticated eyewear for fewer, less-valuable dollars.
