The Third Pocket logoThe Third Pocket

The Third Pocket blog

How much have egg prices gone up since 2019?

A dozen eggs cost $2.27 in August 2026 versus $1.55 in January 2019, per BLS. See the peak, the drop, and what it means in work minutes.

How much is $100 from 2019 worth today?

$100 in January 2019 buys what $76 buys today, or you need $132.30 to match it, per the BLS consumer price index through August 2026.

How much has rent gone up since 2019?

The BLS rent index is up +38% since January 2019, ahead of the +32% rise in all prices. See what it means for a $1,500 lease.

How much have grocery prices gone up since 2019?

Food at home is up +33% since January 2019, per BLS. Ground beef is up 82%, butter flat. See the table and a $200 weekly example.

Is a savings rate beating inflation in 2026?

The 3-month T-bill yields 3.94% against 3.35% inflation, a real gain of about 0.6 points. See what $10,000 earns and loses.

How much does a 7.28% mortgage rate add to the monthly payment?

The 30-year rate is 7.28% (Freddie Mac, Oct 1, 2026). On $400,000 that is $2,737 a month, $1,125 more than at 2.65%.

Are wages keeping up with inflation in 2026?

Average hourly pay is up +37% since 2019, beating prices (+32%). But over the last 12 months wages lag: 3.1% vs 3.4%.

What is the Social Security COLA and how is it set?

Social Security payments rose 2.8% in 2026, per SSA. The seven COLAs for 2020 to 2026 add up to 29%. Here is how it is set and what the 2027 pace looks like.

How much have gas prices gone up since 2019?

Regular gasoline averaged $4.20 in August 2026, up +83% from $2.29 in 2019 (BLS). See the peak, a fill-up and a yearly cost.

How long will $1 million last in retirement with inflation?

Withdrawing $40,000 a year and raising it with inflation, $1 million lasts from about 27 to 60+ years depending on returns and inflation. See the table.