As a kid in middle school, I remember my dad taking me to a diner downtown before dropping me off at school. It was a diner where everyone seemed to know him. A breakfast plate of food that included eggs, bacon, and biscuits was $1.99. My dad would go there for breakfast often but the thing I remember the most about my dad was him always complaining about the rising costs of things. By the time I finished middle school, the cost had gone up to $3.00.
I vowed never to be like my dad and complain about the cost of anything but I recently went to lunch with my brother. We chose a new Indian restaurant nearby our homes. We drove up and the parking lot was empty and we worried it was closed for lunch but we walked in and they sat us at a table.
We each ordered our own plate of food. My brother chose the Vindaloo and I got the butter chicken. We shared some garlic naan, rice and he ordered tea and I just had water. The total tab for the lunch meal was $64. A few years ago lunch usually cost $10 to $15 and now the cost is more than double. We both complained in the car about the huge cost of lunch. As more days pass by, I am sounding more and more like my dad.
I came across this article which points out how a plate of pasta now costs $36 in San Francisco. It’s insane. At the rate inflation is growing, these lunches will be $100 in the 2030’s!
Escape America
What can you do about it? My brother intends on leaving the U.S. He’s looking at condos on the beach in Mexico and I’m looking at Asia, South America and parts of Europe. One of my kids has already left the U.S. and doesn’t seem like he will return anytime soon.
I spent a month in southeast Asia and was blown away by the quality of life there. Nice 2 or 3 bedroom apartments with pools, gym and other amenities rent for $600 to $800 per month. A good meal can be had for $3 to $5. A high end dinner or lunch goes for $30 and that usually includes alcohol.
Now that I’m currently unemployed and potentially retired, I am paying much closer attention to my spend and America doesn’t make any financial sense anymore. Rising auto, health, and home insurance is out of control and if continues to rise at the same rate, there is no way the insurance industry can survive. It will all come crashing down and by my estimates and forecast it will happen around 2030 something.
2030
Moving overseas isn’t going to be for everyone but I would suggest that everyone carefully consider the type of lifestyle they want and adjust expectations accordingly or have a plan to sustain that lifestyle. I may be too pessimistic but I have little faith in any political party solving any of the deep issues with the various systems we see deteriorating day by day. I feel like I’m in a race to get out as quickly as possible because many other nations are starting to pull the welcome mat since many people are starting to realize that the future isn’t as bright as it might have once been and are moving abroad.
Share The Wealth
Are you prepared for a lower standard of living? Let me know in the comments below.