The word is out, as it is every October, of next year’s so-called cost-of-living increase in Social Security payments. (Note that I don’t call them “benefits,” because they’re not . . . it’s our money, paid in over a lifetime, invested by the government for its own profit, with not a cent in interest paid to us.)
Anyway, this year’s increase is to be 3.6% of our current amount. But the Medicare premiums will also increase, by $6.60 per month . . . which doesn’t sound like a lot, unless you’re already in one of the lower brackets due to having earned less over your working lifetime.
But you’re probably thinking: “Hey, an increase is an increase. Not everyone gets a guaranteed annual raise.” Right?
Well, yes . . . and no. Because a second news item today reported that the rate of inflation increased last month to 3.7%. And there is no sign of its decreasing in the foreseeable future. [AP News Alerts, October 14, 2026.]
From personal experience, I can tell you that my grocery budget buys a little bit less each month . . . not to mention the skyrocketing cost of bulk purchases of essentials like toilet paper and laundry detergent, which simply get flushed down the drain . . . literally. And did I mention the inevitable rent increase, which in my case happens to fall in the middle of the year — just as I’ve gotten used to having those few extra dollars each month.
Throughout the decades of my working life, my increases in income kept up with inflation, and I was able to live within my means — not wealthy, for sure, but comfortable and happy. Families were able to plan ahead, buy houses, raise families, pay for college, take vacations, and maybe save a little for their old age. And many did it on a single salary.
Today, we’re lucky if those kids we put through college are able to earn enough to support themselves, much less look after us when our retirement savings run out. But as long as the oligarchs are raking in their billions, we’re supposed to believe the country is in good shape.
Really?
Just sayin’ . . .
Brendochka
10/14/26
