How to Forecast Your Own Cost of Living

National inflation (CPI) is an average. Your 'personal' inflation rate depends on what you buy.

A Tale of Two Budgets

If you spend 50% on rent and rent goes up 10%, your personal inflation is much higher than someone who owns their home with a fixed mortgage.

Substitution and Choice

When certain goods get expensive, you have the power to substitute them for cheaper alternatives to manage your own rate.

Tracking Your History

Look back at your spending from 3 years ago. Tracking the change in your own categories is the best way to plan for the next 3.