The Economy

Insurance paid for the new roof?

 

About one-third of it. Hoping for more, but starting to lose that hope.

Speaking of which . . . a roof I had put on my house in Charlotte in 2013 cost $8,000. This one cost $26,000. As I said, other than Aldi, there's no escaping inflation's stranglehold.

 

How Florida’s home insurance market became so dysfunctional, so fast

 

Walmart across the street has better prices and selection than Aldi.

So why go to Aldi?

 

Walmart has better selection, for sure, but rarely better prices for my stuff. Prices aren't all that different, in any event.

But Aldi has the 15.3 oz. box of cereal I like (for $1.98 if on sale, $2.19 if not). Can only find Family Size everywhere else. So when I need cereal, I go to Aldi and then get a few other other staples while I'm there. If Aldi stopped selling the cereal, I'd probably go there less often. It's also much quicker to get in and out. It's a hell of a hike at Walmart from the pet food (back left corner) to the breads (front right corner). Pushing a cart in which at least one wheel is always compromised.

 

A case of Miller Lite costs me $9 less in North Carolina than it does in Tennessee. You know what I don't give a shit about? The price of a case of beer because I'm going to buy it anyway and die some day. But between now and then, I'm going to drink beer.

 

Family Dollar and Dollar Tree will close 1,000 stores | CNN Business

I don't know where we are in terms of economic cycle - but the 401k story and this one, and people maxing out their credit cards makes me think the "consumer demand" period may be nearing its end.
The tick up in inflation this week likely due to higher gas prices, they've jumped .50 a gallon in the last month.

 

Re: Family Dollar and Dollar Tree

Does the rise of Dollar General not get any credit for further increasing the problems those chains are having?

 

same thing it said in San Francisco

Retail giant Westfield says crime at MTA's Fulton Transit Center is forcing it out

you almost have to wonder if it isn't some other thing

https://www.wsj.com/articles/westfield-malls-european-owner-says-it-is-done-with-the-u-s-11649160000

 

The lion's share of inflation for the past few months at least has been "shelter," housing costs. Problem there is that many people are happy with increased housing prices as it means their own home is worth more money.