Improved fitness and losing weight are the number one New Year’s resolutions in the USA! Next is saving more money! Why do we always go through this exercise in futility when only 9% of the population actually succeeds in one or more of these resolutions?
Save more money in 2024 may be difficult to achieve with the compounding inflation that we have had over the last few years; the 2021 inflation rate was 4.70%, 2022 8.00%, and 2023 4.1%. Inflation is cumulative 16.8%. My experience purchasing everyday consumables, such as food, gas, home heating, and cooling, would exceed that number. I’ll round it up to 20% based on my buying choices. Yours may be different. With that in mind, how do people on a fixed income save more money, with 20% of it consumed in inflation since 2021? Impossible.
Fitness and weight loss are number one. Well, I must admit between food portions becoming smaller from the packager, ice cream, cereal, and meat, I pick up food at the grocery store, look at the price, and place it back on the shelf. I’ve become my Dad regarding complaining about the prices today.
This week, I looked at Rib Eye steaks, which cost $17.99 a pound. I quickly put them back and grabbed a hamburger that was $5.99 a pound. I laughingly looked at Beef Filets at $25 a pound. Like always, the Elite can afford all of that. The American advertisers massively increase ads for Health Clubs, 50% off or buy one get one free. Treadmills are 30% off, and stationary bikes and workout equipment are on sale. This usually lasts until the end of January. Many people with good intentions give in and make many workout equipment purchases. Some actually use them for a while, then the treadmill ends up hooding clothing waiting to be ironed, bags of stuff waiting to do the local mission, or just random stuff. Eventually, they end up in a garage sale a few years later. So, the only things that get lighter are people’s wallets and bank accounts!
Americans are positive-thinking people! This year may be different! I applaud every New Year’s Resolution that everyone has made. I support your goal setting and hope that everyone completes their goals. Next Year’s Resolutions may be pretty sparse, with no goals to set except to stay up until the ball falls at midnight! Well, maybe we can make resolutions to donate time & treasure to a local charity, church, or group that strives to make a positive difference in people’s lives!
“Remember, every day is a gift! Some are just a little more fun to open than others. – © Joel M. Vernier 12/29/2023 Author of: “The Guinea Pig In The Freezer.” joelmvernier@aol.com
