[raybbr]

I apologize, the top line of your reply was scrolled up too far when I composed my answer, you did read the whole thing. Since the question about wages isn’t comparing years what would it adjust inflation to?

I don't know. I do know that blue collar wages haven't kept up with inflation. It's a neat trick these guys use to make us think that we are actually paying less for goods now than we did years ago - until you factor in wages NOT having kept up with inflation.

Just because the price of an LCD tv goes down doesn't mean everyone can afford it.

The CPI should be limted to consumables and forget the tv's and iPods, et al. I am not sure but I don't think college tuition is included in the CPI. Imagine what the CPI would be if it only included food, energy and the things we need to live.

[rb22982]

What % of your budget is food & energy? Combined it’s about 12-18% of mine depending on the month. We need more included besides those 2 things whether you like it or not.

[Freedom4US]

Imagine CPI if it included food, energy and the things we need to live.

Or even the things people really like to buy - you can bet booze, beer, and ciggies aren't included either.