New Mexico No. 8 In High Grocery Bills

If one is from New Mexico and noticed that grocery bills are much higher, it is not your imagination. The truth is, grocery items are much higher than they were four years ago.

New Mexico ranks at number eight of the nation's highest grocery price states. 

Piñon Post reported:

New Mexico has ranked as the eighth-highest state for grocery bills in the U.S., according to a Visual Capitalist analysis mapping how much Americans spend on groceries across all states. Despite New Mexico’s relatively low cost of living compared to more expensive states like California, residents still face elevated food costs, with households spending approximately $286 per week—or around $1,144 a month—on groceries.

Nationally, grocery prices have surged significantly, with costs for “food at home” rising by 20% since August 2020, marking the steepest inflation since the 1970s, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. American households spend about $270 weekly on groceries, translating to $1,080 monthly, based on data sourced from the Census Bureau. Yet, the burden of food costs varies significantly from state to state.

To read more, go here. 

RVers Are Fed Up With Rising Park Prices Says Jellystone Park Campgrounds

Above, Tucson / Lazydays KOA Resort only charged me $36/night last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The national campground chain, Jellystone Park, is concerned over high campsite prices that many RVers are refusing to pay.

The Jellystone Park chain is the nation's second largest campground chain. I have not stayed at one. The largest chain is KOA Kampgrounds, of which I am a member. 

So far, campground rates for me have been mixed. The highest I paid per night was $90 at Monument Valley KOA in September. The lowest was $30 at Valley View Mobile Home & RV Park in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Others this year were averaging around $50 per night. Tucson / Lazydays KOA Resort charged me only $36/night last year after my KOA membership discounts were applied.

RV Travel has posted an article on Jellystone Park's concern over rising prices leading RVers to be "fed up". 

They begin with:

If you’re finding the rates at RV parks are too much to stomach, you’re not alone. “Inflation” has hit nearly every corner of the American economy, including prices demanded for staying in your RV. When will the rate increases stop? Evidently, RV park franchise chain Jellystone is recognizing that “enough” may be too much already. High RV campsite prices are taking their toll.

Still, campground prices are much cheaper than nightly hotel/motel room rates.

To read more, go here.  

Bidenomics At The Grocery Store

Here's what Bidenomics has brought to us (as of January 2024):

In some states, prices are even higher. 

NM One of The Most Expensive States To Buy Groceries

Lately, I've been noticing how high my grocery bills have risen.

I haven't changed my buying habits, but what used to cost me around $70-75 in total, now totals over $100.

Piñon Post has posted an article that what I have experienced isn't a figment of the imagination.

They wrote that New Mexico is one of the most expensive states to buy groceries.

They start with:

According to a recent study from HelpAdvisor, New Mexico is the sixth most expensive state in America to buy groceries.

HelpAdvisor’s study has uncovered a stark reality: the average American’s weekly grocery bill is $270.21, significantly lower than New Mexico’s average of $ 286.39.

“While U.S. inflation slowed in 2023, grocery store cash registers continued running hot. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the consumer price index for food at home was up 1.7% year-over-year in November,” HelpAdvisor noted.

The only states beating New Mexico’s $286.39 average weekly grocery cost were Florida at $287.27, Washington at $287.67, Mississippi at $290.64, Nevada at $294.76, and California at $297.72.

The sad irony of all this is that New Mexico is one of the poorest states, yet grocers are sticking it to the population.

To read more, go here.

Unleaded Regular At $3.899 At The Flying J

The other day, I noticed that the local Flying J Travel Center's unleaded regular price was at $3.899/gallon.

I checked with their online price listings and it is still the same. Gasoline was holding steady at around $3.699 until this past week.

According to Fox Business: 

Inflation increased to 3.7% in August, posting the most significant month-to-month rise since June 2022, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

The annual inflation rate rose in August, up from 3.2% in July, and it increased by 0.6% on a monthly basis, but economists largely anticipated the jump. Economists surveyed by Reuters were looking for respective increases of 3.6% and 0.6%.

Rising prices at the gas pump, which soared by more than 10% in August, were a major contributor to the monthly increase, accounting for more than half of the rise. Rising oil prices and the extreme heat in the Gulf Coast region, which slowed refinery and output activity, are why gas prices reversed course from previous months. 

Since I have to drive my RV to Ridgway, Colorado next week, this price hike comes at an inopportune time. Hopefully, it'll drop between now and then.

Still, New Mexico's prices are much lower than those in Tarzana, California which ranges from $5.409 to $6.009/gallon.

To read more, go here. 

In Conversation: Inflation

Philip N. Diehl, 35th Director of the U.S. Mint (1994–2000) and President of U.S. Money Reserve, and Edmund Moy, 38th Director of the U.S. Mint (2006–2011) and U.S. Money Reserve’s Senior IRA Strategist, are joined by Angela Roberts, U.S. Money Reserve CEO; Brad Chastain, U.S. Money Reserve’s Director of Education; and host Chuck Woolery. The panel discusses inflation.

Has "Greedflation" Taken Over RV Campgrounds?

Above, at the Ouray (Colorado) KOA last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In recent years, I have noticed a rise in RV park and campground prices.

In years past, the average price for an overnight stay was in the $40-50 range. Sometimes it was lower. Sometimes it was higher. Now, campground prices have hit $80 and up.

That's one of the reasons that I generally stay at KOA Kampgrounds. Their prices are no lower, but since I have accumulated KOA Rewards Points, I stay there. When used, they can knock the price down $10-20. Even after using them on my recent trip to Arizona, I still have over 5,000 rewards points in my account. If none are available in the area I am going to, I'll generally go to a RV campground that provides a Good Sam discount of 5%.

The question arises whether RV park costs are rising due to their inflationary rising costs or, what RV Travel calls, "greedflation"?

They discuss this in a article that begins with:

Not many people would disagree that the United States is in an inflationary period. Prices are on the rise from the grocery store to the fuel pump and to campgrounds across the country. Are costs really rising or has “greedflation” taken over RV campgrounds?

To read on, go here. 

CBS News: How To Buy Gold and Silver

Anyone "out there" wanting to know how to buy gold and silver?

Since the economy, banking, inflation, dollar and war saber-rattling has people in jitters, many are looking to diversify their financial portfolios. Some are interested in buying gold and silver, but just don't know how.

The good news is that CBS News posted an article on how to buy gold and silver.

They begin it with:

With an uncertain economic outlook and nagging inflation, some investors are looking to diversify their portfolios by investing in a variety of assets, like precious metals, alongside stocks and bonds. This type of diversification can help build a buffer against economic headwinds and potentially allow for new ways to make money.

But how do you actually invest in precious metals like gold and silver? While assets like publicly traded stocks have a fairly straightforward buying process, investing in gold and silver can be a little bit more complex, given the variety of ways to buy them.

The good news, though, is that you don't have to literally mine for gold to reap the potential benefits. There are several other ways to gain exposure to gold and silver in your portfolio.

To read more, go here. 

Top 4 Reasons To Invest In Silver Coins

Above, an 1889 Morgan silver dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Inflation (Bidenflation) shows no signs of abating.

Yesterday, I went to the local O'Reilly Auto Parts store to purchase a can of Sea Foam Motor Treatment. Generally, the cost for a can was about $5-6.00. I usually buy two. Well, to my surprise, it was over $12.00 a can.

I mentioned this to the clerk and he said that everything has shot up in price. Our currency is continuing to lose its purchasing power.

That is one big reason why I and so many others are investing in silver coins. There are some reasons why and Big News Network lays out the top four of them.

They start with:

Silver has always been valuable and sought-after precious metal; people have invested in it for centuries. Investing in silver coins has been a popular investment form over the years. Silver coins are an attractive option for investors to diversify their portfolios and protect their wealth.

Historically, silver has been used for currency, jewelry, and other decorative items. They are often minted with intricate designs, and some even commemorate significant historical events or people. You should choose to invest in silver coins due to their liquidity and because it's easy to buy and sell them.

The following are the top 4 reasons to invest in silver coins.

To read more, go here.

Silver Spot Price Today (So Far)

Above, silver spot price this morning.

At present, the silver spot price is roughly where yesterday left off (maybe a smidgeon higher).

We will see where the spot price will go today. It did go below $20.00/toz at times yesterday. It will be interesting so see where it goes today.

This is actually good for people who are looking to buy. Most dealers base their prices on the spot price plus their overhead & profit markups. Just shop around to find the best deals.

Even though silver is down from where it was, precious metals won't lose value like fiat paper currencies.

Speaking of which, The Federalist blog has an article and video on "Hyper Inflation - Should You Own Gold or Silver?" It is an interesting read for those sitting on the fence on buying gold or silver. 

To read it (along with video), go here.

The Cost of Investing in Precious Metals

Above, 2023 Silver Britannia coins from the Royal Mint. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Biden Administration is screwing up the economy. Billions are being sent to Ukraine to the extent that we may be left without enough arms for our own defense, thereby goading Russia into World War III. Millions of illegals are flooding across our border with no resistance. Congressional spending has gone into the stratosphere with Biden's approval. 

Small wonder there's runaway inflation. This is forcing people to seek a hedge in precious metals. Day by day, the dollar is losing value.

What is the cost of in investing in precious metals? This question is the topic of a new article in The Epoch Times.

They start it off with:

Gold and silver and other precious metals like platinum and palladium provide valuable security in times of financial turmoil. Despite price fluctuations, physical precious metals pose no credit risk and retain an intrinsically high economic value even when the stock market crashes.

What are the costs of precious metals investing, and what associated expenses are involved in a precious metals portfolio?

To read more, go here.

Fed Risks A Repeat of the 1970s

Wondering what's driving down prices of gold and silver?

It looks like the Federal Reserve will be meeting shortly to raise interest rates again as inflation (i.e., Bidenflation) continues to roar on.

According to The Market Oracle (U.K.):

Gold and silver markets drifted lower again this week as investors braced for additional Fed rate hikes to come.

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve released the minutes from its latest policy meeting. Policymakers agreed on the need for additional increases in interest rates. They settled on just a 0.25% bump up at their last meeting. But some dissenters called for a larger 0.5% hike.

Since the Fed’s last move, incoming economic data is emboldening the hawks. A superficially strong U.S. jobs report combined with stubbornly high inflation readings suggest central bankers have more work to do.

Following the Fed's policy meeting earlier this month, Chairman Jay Powell declared that disinflation was taking hold. But since then, inflation indicators have shown the opposite -- that prices levels in the economy continue to come in high and continue to exceed most forecasts.

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President James Bullard is casting doubt on Powell's call for disinflation to take hold. Bullard says monetary policy is not yet sufficiently restrictive. And in recent remarks, he warned that if the Fed is too soft on inflation, we risk a repeat of the 1970s.

High interest rates is one thing nobody is nostalgic for when it comes to the 1970s. 

To read more, go here.

Why More Americans Are Choosing .999 Pure Silver

  

Along with what Reagan said above, inflation is also caused by the "printing press" money the government churns out. 

Republicans are also guilty as Democrats in government over-spending and churning out fiat currency with nothing backing it. 

As inflation is roaring under His Fraudulency Joe Biden, Kevin O'Leary of Money Metals Exchange put it bluntly on CNBC on why people are turning to coins, bullion and silver rounds as hedges against inflation.

He said:

MONEY METALS – Kevin O'Leary bluntly stated on CNBC why Americans have more reason than ever to move some of their wealth from dollar-denominated investments into hard assets like silver rounds –

“You print $6.72 trillion in thirty months, what the hell did you think was going to happen? Of course there's going to be inflation.”

And Mr. Wonderful's figures are on point, says the Foundation for Economic Education. Federal Reserve data show that in August 2019, the U.S. had $14.9 trillion total in circulation. By January 2022, it was $21.6 trillion.

That's 44.97% more Federal Reserve notes chasing substantially fewer goods due to shortages of everything from medications to microchips to eggs – the classic inflationary set-up. Anything denominated in U.S. dollars – stocks, bonds, cash – is losing value daily.

To read more, go here. 

Inflation Stays Hot In January

Inflation is not at all abating, despite what the Biden Administration has been trying in gaslighting the American people into believing.

Food and fuel have led the price increases.

From The Daily Caller:

Inflation accelerated on a monthly basis in January, surging past investor expectations as prices continue to climb, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Prices climbed 0.5% on a monthly basis in January after declining by 0.1% in December, while growing 6.4% on an annualized basis from 6.5% in December, according to the BLS. Inflation shot past economists’ expectations, with a Dow Jones poll predicting a 0.4% monthly increase and 6.2% annual hike, CNBC reported.

Since hitting a 40-year high in June of 9.1%, inflation has fallen each month since, but remains more than three times above the Federal Reserve’s target rate of 2%, according to The Wall Street Journal.

To read more, go here. 

Benzinga's Gold vs. Silver Investment Guide

Above, American Silver Eagles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During times of high inflation, such as the one we're presently in, people turn to precious metals as a hedge to protect their nest eggs.

Which is better? Gold or silver?

Benzinga has posted a helpful guide on investing in either.

They start it with:

The earth yields many precious metals, but gold and silver are the two most famous ones. Each metal has different properties and uses, but they have a few things in common. Both have a finite supply, making them a hedge against inflation. Investors have sought refuge by buying gold and silver during recessions and volatile economic times.

They have been used as a component of legal tender in some countries. For example, the U.S. produces and backs the American Gold Eagle. Canada has minted gold coins like the Canadian Buffalo 2021.

So, is it better to invest in gold or silver? Find out for yourself by reading this guide.

To read more, go here. 

Six Reasons Why You Should Be Investing In Precious Metals

Above, an 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My retirement accounts have crept up a little bit this week, which gives me a sigh of relief.

I don't solely rely on those for the long term. With inflation eating away at one's purchasing power, a hedge against it is not only desirable, but necessary. That's where investing in precious metals comes in.

Intelligent Living has posted an article with six reasons one should be investing in precious metals.

They begin it with:

If you’re new to precious metal investing, it can be confusing why you should invest in precious metals.

After all, you’re not getting any interest from your money, and there is no natural way of guaranteeing your investment’s value is going up.

But the truth is that there are many reasons why an investment in precious metals makes sense and offers unique benefits. Here are the six reasons why you should invest in them.

To see what the six reasons are, go here. 

Dire Warning On Pension Crisis

Above, 2022 silver Canadian Maple Leaf coins. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My decision to buy silver was based on the high inflation rate (Bidenflation, if you will) that's eating away the dollar's purchasing power.

Precious metals (such as gold and silver) have been stable and even risen in value. The current silver spot price (according to SD Bullion) is $23.93/ounce.

One investing expert has issued a dire warning about the "current pension crisis".

From Yahoo Finance:

Between the plunging markets and soaring inflation, 2022 wasn’t an easy year for retirees — or those nearing retirement. But according to Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki, this demographic could be facing another crisis.

Kiyosaki compared U.S. pensions to a bubble waiting to burst, calling them the “next global Lehman,” referring to the downfall of investment bank Lehman Brothers.

Lehman Brothers had assets of $691 billion when it filed for bankruptcy in September 2008, marking the largest corporate bankruptcy in U.S. history. And currently, U.S. state and local pension plans face an estimated $1.4 trillion shortfall.

So what should investors do in the face of an upcoming retirement crisis?

“People who own gold, silver, Bitcoin will get richer when Fed, Treasury, Wall Street pivot [and] print trillions of fake dollars,” Kiyosaki says.

“Fake money savers will be biggest losers. Don’t be a loser.”

Let’s take a closer look at these suggestions — and why you might want to take them seriously. 

Gold and silver

Precious metals — particularly gold and silver — have been a popular hedge against inflation and uncertainty. They can’t be printed out of thin air like fiat money and their value is largely unaffected by economic events around the world.

Kiyosaki has long been a fan of gold — he first purchased the yellow metal in 1972.

“I’m not buying gold because I like gold, I’m buying gold because I don’t trust the Fed,” he said in an interview last year.

Kiyosaki likes silver, too. In fact, he recently tweeted “Silver best investment in Oct 2022” and “Everyone can afford $20 silver.”

To be sure, precious metals aren’t shooting through the roof. But they’ve demonstrated their resilience in this broad market selloff: the price of gold is down about 2% in 2022, while silver is up 1.2%.

While there are many ways to gain exposure to gold and silver, Kiyosaki prefers to just buy the metal directly. Earlier this year, he tweeted that he only wants “real gold or silver coins” and not ETFs.

The author also called silver “a bargain” recently. So it might be time to visit your local bullion shop.

To read more, go here.

The Heroism of Owning Gold and Silver

Above, a 90% silver Morgan dollar and a 40% silver Ike dollar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the lunatics took over control of the federal government two years ago, we have been seeing the U.S. dollar shrink in value from Bidenflation.

I have been advocating investing in precious metals (gold and silver) as a hedge against inflation and in case the dollar collapses completely. 

Numismatic News has posted an article with the position that investing in gold and silver is an "act of heroism".

Here's a snippet:

To help maintain prosperity and financial stability, Americans need a stable monetary system. For many decades of America’s history, there was stability and rising prosperity as the dollar was fixed to the prices of gold and silver. Since the U.S. dollar linkage to gold was completely severed in August 1971 and no U.S. silver coins for circulation have been struck since 1969, the relative purchasing power of the dollar has fallen significantly.

The recent U.S. government’s extraordinary surge in the money supply, with the M2 definition of the U.S. money supply up 42.9 percent from mid-September 2019 to October this year and the Federal Reserve Bank balance sheet up 127.7 percent from mid-September 2019 to Dec. 1, 2022, is accelerating the devaluation of the purchasing power of the dollar.

While ownership of bullion-priced physical gold and silver coins and ingots may help protect someone’s personal finances, as it has done for countless people over history, such ownership may also help contribute to helping maintain the prosperity and financial stability of the nation as a whole. When considered from that perspective, owning gold and silver could be called an act of heroism.

To read the full article, go here. 

Mining.com: The Case For Silver

Above, JFK 1964 half dollars and Morgan dollars. Each has 90% silver. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Investment experts generally recommend diversifying one's investment portfolios, which also include investing in precious metals such as gold and silver. Most often, I've read that precious metals investing should be at 5% of one's portfolio.

Since gold is above $1,800 an ounce, silver is the logical alternative as it is more affordable at around $23 per ounce.

Above, a Gold Rush era gold prospector.

The current inflationary times (Bidenflation) is decimating the value of the U.S. dollar. 

Mining.com posted an article yesterday, "The Case For Silver".

They begin it with:

Silver, like gold, is a precious metal that offers investors protection during times of economic and political uncertainty. 

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, the flight to safety subsequently sent silver prices past the $26/oz mark, which was last seen in August, 2021.

This silver rally proved to be a flash in the pan, however. An aggressive interest rate hike campaign by the US Federal Reserve, along with a high US dollar, has kept the safe-haven metal in check.

Still, there are multiple reasons to believe that longer term, silver will rebound — possibly returning to levels last seen during the early 2021 Reddit-fueled silver frenzy.

Spot silver has already gained 20% over the last three months.

The potential forces behind silver’s next rally include: monetary demand, industrial demand, low inventories, physical market tightness, peak silver, and the gold-silver ratio.

To read more, go here. 

Points To Keep In Mind Before Buying Silver

Above, a recent ad from Facebook. 

With inflation decimating the value of our dollars, many people (including me) are turning towards investing in precious metals (i.e., gold and silver).

Since gold is too pricey for me (it is around $1,800 an ounce), I have turned to silver (around $23.60 an ounce) instead.

For those who are new to silver investing, there's a few things to be mindful of and an article from BQ Prime which should be a great help.

They begin with:

Silver has always been a great precious metal to invest your money in. It’s perfect for new investors with limited capital as well as for veterans who simply want to invest in silver. Whatever your reason may be, investing in silver is definitely a wise decision. 

According to the World Silver Survey 2022 published by The Silver Institute, India is currently the world’s third-largest silver physical investment market after the US and Germany. Last year, i.e. in 2021, digital silver and silver ETFs were also launched in India making it an apt time to invest in silver.  

Now, you might be really excited to buy silver and start investing in it, but hold your horses before you make any mistakes. Silver prices are also dynamic in nature, similar to gold prices. It fluctuates depending on the international market. 

Moreover, there are some other factors as well that you need to consider before investing in silver. Let’s take a look at some points you need to keep in mind before investing in silver:

To read more, go here.