“The 1980’s method of calculating CPI (see Shadowstats) and the Chapwood index both put real inflation in the U.S. at about 14%”
Gotta invest internationally now. Like jumping rocks across a raging river.
My best deal so far was a Thai investment bank that got bought out. Returned 140% dividend two months after purchase than bought out in a merger for another 500% return.
Picturesque analogy!
Inflation is very difficult to measure accurately (even if you are making an honest effort at it).
The reason is because consumers will adjust their expenditures toward items with lower cost increases and away from items with higher cost increases.
Obviously there are many expenses that cannot be avoided—but there are many that can be.
One good example is vacations—folks can take cheaper ones or not take them at all.
Autos—one can buy a new one or keep driving around the old one a few years longer.
University—go for a state school instead of a private school
etc etc etc.
As consumers “trade down” they lower their own costs below the “rate of inflation”.
Take $200 million to the Ukraine Real Estate Market right now and you could do some damage instead of letting the US inflate out the value of your portfolio and steal it all from you.