#inflation

I'm surprised the company even publishes the numbers, but they pay $1,160.12 per pay cycle for the Classic plan, and $1,024.71 for the HSA plan.

You choosing the HSA plan saves the company $3,520.66 annually, and they give you $1,000 for choosing that plan.

Isn't it time that lifts a little to account for inflation? Its been stuck at $1,000 for 10+ years. Split in half the savings would at least bump it to ~$1750.

Come on MPC, share the savings and stop pocketing the $2,520 difference.

Here's what really bothers me about corporate America. These companies want Americans to buy their products, pay for their services, and keep their revenues growing, but they're increasingly shipping the jobs overseas. They want us as consumers, just not as employees. They extract wealth from the American economy while moving more of the wages and economic activity that wealth generates somewhere else.

Think about what that does over time. Every decent-paying job moved overseas means less money circulating in American communities. That's money that would have been spent at local businesses, restaurants, stores, and on housing. That's economic activity that would have generated tax revenue to support schools, roads, and infrastructure. Instead, more of the gains flow to shareholders, and a disproportionate share of those gains goes to a relatively small group of wealthy investors.

And these people aren't even taxed the same way workers are. Someone working 50 hours a week pays taxes on their wages, while someone sitting on millions in appreciating stock can accumulate enormous wealth without paying taxes on those unrealized gains. We've created something resembling a modern rentier class, where owning assets is increasingly more rewarding than actually working.

Meanwhile, the stock market keeps reaching new highs, but wages aren't keeping pace. Investment wealth can grow several times faster than workers' earnings, and the gap compounds year after year. The people who already own assets get richer, while the people whose labor keeps these companies running fall further behind.

Then add housing and food inflation. Workers are getting squeezed from every direction. Even when their wages increase, their disposable income barely moves. For young people, it's particularly brutal. In some markets, saving for a down payment can take something like 16 years instead of eight a generation ago. How are they supposed to become independent, buy a home, start a family, or build wealth when the entry point keeps moving further away?

Homeownership has historically been one of the main ways ordinary Americans accumulate wealth. Now we're making it increasingly inaccessible while rewarding those who already own property and financial assets.

And here's the part that really gets me: corporations still depend on a functioning American middle class to buy their products. But they're systematically weakening the very people they depend on. You cannot keep extracting purchasing power from a society while eliminating the jobs and wages that create that purchasing power in the first place.

This isn't sustainable. Eventually, you end up with a country full of consumers who can't afford to consume, workers who can't build wealth, and a small ownership class accumulating an ever-larger share of everything.

We're not building a prosperous society anymore. We're building an economy that works brilliantly for people who already own things and increasingly poorly for everyone who has to work for a living.

Uhhhh I just looked at what the new plans under Aetna will be. Costs for many will increase by 15%. Let’s see? More stress, more hours, more anxiety, more commuting costs, more health, dental and vision costs next to a 1-2% salary increase- if you are lucky.
‘Eliza, why am I getting poorer at BNY while do nothing executives get filthy rich?’

So it’s pretty clear for 99.9% of workers we are going to get “Successful” or less. My question is what percentage is that? The manager that had our meeting said it’s 4% and can go to 2% with bad Points. But every one I’ve talked to said it’s actually 3% and down from there if you have points. 4% percent is all ready bad enough as they promised 6 for tenured works that dedicated their lives to the company. But 3% is an absolute joke that doesn’t even cover inflation

No info, just came here to write a prayer!
Wars in our neighbourhood, high inflation, high energy costs, $hittiest tech job market in the history of tech, mortgages refusing to cool down, and everything else we have been watching on the news lately that doesnt need a mention here. This memo was the only missing piece to complete the jigsaw of doom CA you b4stard.

Considering inflation the longer you stay here the less you make. Except for executives of course.

Anyone in the UK worked out how much their pay has gone up since 2020?

Inflation's been over 32% since April 2020. If your pay hasn't gone up by that much, you've effectively had a pay cut.

And now we're apparently not worrying too much about market rates either.

Great stuff.

I recently noticed a role similar to mine posted on a job board. My current pay is at the lower end of the posted range, even though I've been in this position for years and have significant experience. Is this common at TIAA? I understand this happens everywhere, but between the high inflation over the last five years and receiving almost no raises for staying here, I can't help but feel bitter.

I am pleading to senior executives leading Infosys. Pay attention to upskilling of workers and work conditions. Organize that better. We have money and we have skill. I know that marketing is important but it'll not help you if your workers fall behind or are not motivated to work. The comp needs to be improved, inflation is eating into our wages. Do something about this. Thank you for your attention.

Inflation is up 3.7% and Social security recipients will get a 3.6% increase. If you make it past the cut, prepare for another cut when you get a merit increase that doesn’t match inflation.

How come Social Security announced a 3.6% increase for this coming year and this company hides behind a 'they can't afford raises' mentality ?

Curious as to how many other associates have to work more than 1 hour to afford 300 paper plates?

Three major unions representing over 3,000 City of Portland employees are in contract negotiations. The primary dispute centers on the city's refusal to offer full cost-of-living increases. This refusal is causing workers to lose purchasing power due to inflation. One union, PROTEC17, has reached a tentative agreement that includes initial wage hikes and future cost-of-living adjustments. Another union, CPPW, has declared an impasse, potentially leading to a strike.

Portland, Oregon

https://nwlaborpress.org/2026/10/no-cola-for-city-workers-in-portland/

@@@I took the lump sum - thanks Google

No Inflation Relief: Verizon's traditional pension annuity does not include a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Over a 20-to-30-year retirement, flat monthly payments will significantly lose their purchasing power

In light of inflation, average 3% ?

If Fidelity can’t afford raises for “associates” (only a dum--ss would think that’s a good name for employees), than they shouldn’t be able to increase the profit they make from us. No raises based on inflation, but we also can’t keep the lights on if we don’t charge you more.

Likely a pointless long-shot here, but it has to be said. It’s time for the senior leadership in this company to allow those who can to return to fully remote work. Between the enormous increase in health insurance premiums this year, a reemerging inflation crisis, skyrocketing transportation costs, etc.; the overwhelming majority of employees are unable to carry this financial burden. Compensation at this company simply isn’t high enough outside of the executive class to cover the cost of living explosion on 2026.

Allowing sales, admin, billing, contract, etc. staff (most of whom are still sub-6-figure incomes) to work fully remote removes some of the financial burden we’re all facing with $5-ish a gallon gas and all the inflationary side effects with $7-ish+ per gallon diesel (even worse on the west coast).

In addition, Canon is surely facing logistics increases as the diesel prices have skyrocketed and will continue to increase. Imagine saving money on utilities for office buildings for a while until the ongoing global conflicts find some kind of resolution.

Collaboration isn’t limited to face-to-face contact, and most of us still attend meetings via Chat even when we’re in the office. Something has got to give, here. People need a break. I just filled the gas tank on my aging SUV to prepare for the week before football today and it cost $100 (I guess I should have filled up on Wednesday and saved $0.40 a gallon…).

Do SOMETHING to help the people who actually do the work and make the company money. It’s costs the company nothing in the end, but can help improve morale and the financial health of the workforce in a historic time of financial stress outside of any of our control.

Several major food and beverage companies are implementing significant layoffs, signaling a downturn in industry sales. This trend is attributed to a combination of factors, including public health advocacy against ultra-processed foods and the growing impact of GLP-1 agonist dr-gs that reduce appetite. Additionally, rising food prices due to inflation are contributing to decreased consumer spending. These developments, while potentially beneficial for public health, present a challenge for the food industry's business model. Consequently, companies are responding with workforce reductions to manage declining revenues.

New York, NY

https://www.foodpolitics.com/2026/09/layoffs-a-sign-of-flagging-food-industry-sales/

Are we basically expecting average raises of around 1%?

If inflation is 4% and your salary increases only 1% a year, you are losing purchasing power every year. At that rate, the real value of your salary would fall by roughly 50% in about 24 years.

And that assumes the official 4% inflation figure actually reflects what employees are experiencing. When you look at housing, insurance, food, utilities and other everyday expenses, it often feels like prices are rising much faster.

At some point, a 1% "raise" is not really a raise. It is a pay cut in real terms.

• Costco raised its Kirkland Signature full synthetic motor oil to $57.99 and is limiting customers to two units every seven days.
• Costco is also rationing some Mobil 1 motor oil, limiting six-quart cases to five per member.
• Link between the price increases and shortages to sharply higher crude oil prices driven by the U.S.-Iran conflict.
• Brent crude is up roughly 60% and West Texas Intermediate about 80% year to date, while U.S. gasoline prices have also climbed substantially.
• Barron's argues that rising gasoline prices could become politically significant in the midterm elections, noting historically larger House losses for the incumbent party when gas prices rise.

https://www.barrons.com/articles/costco-motor-oil-6a560c5b

=====
Get in Line. Costco Is Rationing Motor Oil.
By Andy Serwer

Did you see that Costco Wholesale is rationing and massively raising prices for motor oil? The Auto Wire, which broke the story, reports that the retailer made the move with its Kirkland Signature full synthetic motor oil.

The 5-quart, two-bottle case now lists for $57.99, up from a price that hovered in the mid-$30s for years. Costco has also imposed a purchase limit, capping buyers at one transaction per membership and two units every seven days.

Between 80% and 90% of motor oil is made of base oil, a product obtained by refining crude oil.

Costco is also limiting at least one other petroleum-based product. Sales of a six-quart case of Mobil 1 are capped at five per member.

Costco didn't respond immediately for comment. So far, other major retailers, such as Walmart, haven't followed Costco's lead.

The move may have something to do with soaring oil prices, which have risen because of the U.S.-Iran conflict. Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate are up roughly 60% and 80%, respectively, year to date.

Gas prices are also sharply higher. The average price of a gallon of gasoline has risen 33.5% since Trump's inauguration on Jan. 30, 2025, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The average price is now just under $4.30 per gallon, according to the EIA.

Rationing and higher prices for motor oil is one thing, but soaring gasoline prices could have major implications for the coming midterm elections. According to Politico, the incumbent party has lost an average of 21 House seats in midterm elections dating back to 1978. During election cycles when gas prices rise, that average loss increases to 32 seats.

Back in June, Trump ordered the Justice Department in a social media post to investigate large oil companies he accused of gouging drivers.

The situation has even prompted comparisons with the U.S. gasoline shortages of the 1970s, when fuel was rationed based on whether a vehicle's license plate ended in an odd or even number. The last such rationing occurred in 1979. One of that year's biggest songs was Gloria G-ynor's "I Will Survive" - perhaps an appropriate song to queue up again.

Nestle CEO says Middle East conflict driving inflation, higher supplier costs

• Middle East accounts for about 2% to 3% of Nestle's roughly 90 billion Swiss francs in sales
• Nestle may buy strategically important brands as it reviews portfolio periodically, Navratil says
• Navratil says food manufacturers should join India talks on ​proposed front-of-pack warning labels

https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/nestle-ceo-says-middle-east-conflict-driving-inflation-higher-supplier-costs-2026-09-10/

When the staff drops the 5-7% based on industry average, hopefully Fidelity will also fix the pay issues.

My BU hasn’t given raises in the last 3 years and said it’s based on market pay. With inflation hitting 20% since the start of the pandemic, compensation should be reviewed again.

How does Abby expect people to care about her bottom line when people are on government assistance and can’t afford groceries?

It’s now good for the economy, right?
And for our investments, right?
And for our grocery bills, right?

When did that change?
Where’s the outrage now?

I didn’t like it then and I don’t like it now.

You?

I was suspecting that PK stepped in to buy to create support at that level. LOL JK

Today, NKE blew pass $37.00 as if it doesn't exist. And it comfortably found home at upper $36.00. That is if market will not turn south at the last hour of trading session.
So don't be surprised if ends the day at low $36.00

With Iran War, Trade War and Inflation as factor, I don't think anyone will step in and buy.

Nike is caught between rock and a hard place.

Rising costs are significantly impacting small businesses across Minnesota, leading to difficult decisions. Companies are reducing inventory, cutting executive salaries, and implementing layoffs to manage increased expenses. Higher prices for essential goods, fuel, and insurance are squeezing profit margins. Some businesses are also facing challenges due to federal immigration enforcement actions and global trade disruptions. These economic pressures are forcing many to seek new clients and re-evaluate operational strategies to survive.

New Hope, Minnesota

https://www.startribune.com/small-business-inflation-layoffs-salaries/601874966

I remember asking if there was a chance they’d reduce a day as gas prices climbed and was told no. Never mind how other people are abusing that but with prices going up I am pretty close to living paycheck to paycheck. I don’t want to bring it up again to the powers that be but it’s really getting hard. Every single thing is. The icing on the cake is the constant fear of a layoff every other week. Is anyone else going through this? I’m tempted to borrow from my 401K.

Because mine certainly isn't.

So, I was curious how my pay has changed in “real” (adjusted for inflation) terms over the years.

Turns out I peaked in 2021, in spite of being promoted in 2022.

In fact, I’m make less today than I was in 2018.

I’d encourage everyone to look at their W2s over the years. Specifically look at Box 5. And plug that number into an inflation calculator to see what it would be in today’s dollars. Do that for several years back and I’m guessing many will see the same pattern.

When I started in 2009 my first year salary was just over $100,000 which is equal to about $160,000 now. What are new hires making today?

Humana, PLEASE give us raises that keep uo with inflation.

Every employee, every year, should be receiving an annual raise that percentage wise to their current salary exceeds the current rate of inflation.

The math shouldn’t be that hard for you. I am confident you HR and Financial Consultants, and Actuaries can figure it out.

Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee stated that rising prices are the primary economic challenge for Americans. He noted that labor market indicators show stability, not distress. Goolsbee explained that current employment figures do not reflect a crisis. The Federal Reserve is therefore prioritizing efforts to curb persistent price growth. This focus allows policymakers to address inflation without the immediate pressure of a collapsing job market.

Chicago, Illinois

https://es.tradingview.com/news/stocktwits:f9aa99f12094b:0-inflation-remains-america-s-chief-economic-malady-warns-chicago-fed-s-goolsbee/

If your total compensation doesn’t increase by at least 3.5% you are not even breaking even. And you need even more than that to make up for the zero raises of 2026.

Private equity only works because the United States dollar is no longer linked to gold.

Now, when the United States needs more money they can simply print it out of thin air. It doesn't have to be linked to a physical asset like gold.

This means our economy runs on high debt, high inflation, and an ever expanding economy built on a hollow stack of cards.

This allows private equity to skyrocket since their business model works because inflation always goes up in service of their debt.

Inflation always reduces the real value of your debt.

The cost of living is skyrocketing, and people can't afford to make ends meet on the penny-pinching wages you pay. You can do better.

After eight years with the company, consistently good performance reviews, and earning my Series 7, I never expected to be living paycheck to paycheck. But with the pay scale failing to keep up with the rising cost of living, I have reached the point where I am putting my electric bill on a credit card.

I am seriously considering taking on a second job, and I am wondering how many other employees are already doing the same. What kind of side work have you found that fits around your Edward Jones schedule? Has management raised any concerns about outside employment?

It is frustrating to have the licenses, experience, and positive reviews, yet still struggle to cover basic household expenses. At what point does the company acknowledge that the current pay structure is not sustainable?

The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index climbed to 56.0 in June. This indicates solid economic growth in the regional manufacturing sector. However, the employment index remained weak at 49.8, showing job losses. The region's manufacturing sector shed 15,000 jobs over the past year. Wholesale prices remained elevated, undermining chances for Federal Reserve rate cuts.

https://ruralradio.com/kneb-tv/news/regional-manufacturing-improves-despite-job-losses-inflation/

downplaying inflation and saying unemployment is all time low. all i see and hear around the country are people getting laid off and cant afford to take care of their families

Housing costs in Houston are up so much since 2021. Really su-ks for those of us the company sent away and now expects to return. Meanwhile those who never leave Houston have their sweet low interest rate mortgages and bought their houses for half of what they cost today while complaining that expats make too much and Permian CLs are inflated.

Anyone else at BTC surprised to receive a mid year raise? My supervisor said that I had earned it with my performance and also due to the rising inflation here in India. I thought raises were only in January so this is a nice surprise as a new hire that my salary is increasing already.

If you factor in actual inflation, rather than the numbers the government reports, wages are falling rapidly.

And both political parties share the blame. We have an uniparty anyway.

Have you looked at the price of a new car lately? Or a refrigerator? Or even steak?