I saw that a local restaurant had a Thursday special. They have 10 wings for $10.
For some reason, this struck me as “what kind of deal is that?” How is $1 per wing a good price?
Time Matters
This is where the gap in actions shows the span of time—the gap in purchase time.
We used to go out for the wing special at a local “tavern.” The last time we went, the prices were 10-cent wings. Yes, it was a crazy low price then $1.20 per down.
Thinking about the 10x price change, I realize the last time we went was in the last century, in the 1900s, 90s, probably 1999, before I lost weight and haven’t eaten wings since. Therefore, I haven’t purchased wings from a restaurant since, and have a 25+ year purchase time gap.
I’m a super healthy eater. For that reason, I always want to eat at home and prepare my clean meals.
Point #2, the special was in California, where EVERYTHING seems to cost more. Since I eat at home 99.X% of the time, I do see the high prices of restaurants. With rent, employee, and food costs climbing steeply, I understand that the ability to stay in business or earn a profit requires higher revenue. Even on the revenue side, the owners need more because their life costs more.
Choices/Power
I love our system where I have the choice to support the profit of a restaurant owner or not. I love how in many purchasing decisions we have the freedom to make choices. We can evaluate options and take action on what we feel works best for us and our situation.
Regardless of the cost of a deep-fried chicken wing, inflation is a shocking and scary variable in retirement. Inflation is downright frightening to math it out.
I’ve written before how I don’t like seeing the price of a new mustang in 1969, or the McDonald’s menu from 1976. The compounded prices of today, when compared to those price images and the years between then and now, FREAK ME OUT.
I often think how, at 55, a “normal” life span is to 85. That’s 30 years, maybe more, ahead of me.
When I review prices from 30 years ago in 1995 (not just little wings), I can see that so many things are, on average, about double. That seems less scary, since it’s only 30 years. Rule of 72 says 2.5% ish inflation average.
I have written how I look at a price now, and when it feels expensive, I cut it in half and ask, “Would that half price be a good price in 1996 when we got married?” Those wings are off the chart expensive. (maybe AZ to CA price difference?)
I just checked the google, and it said the average car price in 1995 was 18k, in 2025 47k (250%). BUT, I think some of the increase may be the lifestyle/model/luxury options variable somewhat. A 1995 sedan cannot compare to a 2025 luxuriously equipped SUV.
A 1995 Accord was 17.4k, a 2025 Accord may be 34k (google citation), right in line with my 200% thought. Far below the 10x 10-cent wing stress-inducing “coupon” I saw.
Inflationing
What will my lifestyle cost if I’m still active enough at 85?
Asset Returns
The good news for the past 11 years of FIRE, and the past few decades we’ve been saving, is that our asset returns have grown faster than the purchasing cost of life. So far, in the past. That’s been the case.
I do believe in the “you need to have some of your money in the ‘market’ to (help) offset/eliminate the inflation risk in your life.” Having saved enough to retire is great (assuming it’s correct enough). Putting that money safely in a mattress to protect it will, yes, protect it, but not protect you.
Needless to say, no wings for me.
*** Nothing in this article is to be construed as financial advice. I am not a financial planner, nor do I pretend to be. You should always consult your own professional when seeking advice. This post is not a piece of literary mastery, just a random thought I had.