Top Inflatable
![]() |
The Real Cost of Living - and Why the Inflation Rate Tells a Different Story
To those of us keeping a close eye on our finances, the official 3% inflation rate might seem a little short of the mark. It may well be above the Government's target of 2%, but to most UK households, a 3% rise in average costs would be affordable, if a little inconvenient.
In reality, the UK has recently experienced some much sharper rises in costs of living that are putting many people under serious financial strain.
It's clear that the official inflation rate does not tell the full story. For that reason, The Telegraph recently reported on the Real Cost of Living Index (RCLI): an unofficial inflation measure designed to map out how much more each year the average British citizen is paying out for their essential costs of living - those that are unavoidable without making significant lifestyle changes.
RCLI: how is it different to official measures?
The Real Cost of Living Index aims to give a realistic weighting to the essential costs of living, which The Telegraph says "provides a more realistic picture of costs faced by hard-working families". In particular, this includes housing (i.e. mortgage/rent), groceries, utilities, transport and taxes.
The current RCLI rate of inflation has been measured at 9.5% - over three times the official inflation rate of 3%.
To date, the Government have relied on the CPI (Consumer Price Index) and RPI (Retail Price Index) measures of inflation. Both measure the change in prices of a vast range of goods and services (known as the 'basket of goods and services'), intended to represent the average buying habits of the British public.
There's a problem with this method: for your own rise in costs to mirror inflation, you would have to buy everything in the Government's 'basket', in the right quantities. In reality, each individual is only likely to buy some of these.
Considering that a reasonable proportion of household spending is taken up by groceries - of which The Telegraph reported a 23% yearly rise in average prices - it could be argued that the 3% inflation rate proves that CPI doesn't give a clear enough picture of how or where prices are rising.
Why would official inflation figures conflict with real-life experience?
It's a matter for great debate as to exactly why the official inflation rate of 3% falls short of so many real-life experiences. One explanation is that CPI does not include council tax and mortgage costs - two major expenses to any homeowner. But RPI does include these, and even RPI inflation is only 4.2%.
Government inflation measures give different weightings to items according to the perceived importance to the average person's budget. But the much higher RCLI inflation figures suggest that essential costs of living are not being weighted highly enough in the official statistics.
What's more, the Government has increasingly included items in their figures that are known to be steadily falling in price - most notably consumer electronics. This, along with items that experience little or no change in price, may go some way to neutralising the effect of such large rises in costs of living. And this could make the inflation rate look unrealistically low.
Are inflation figures transparent?
Some critics have suggested that items in the 'basket' may be chosen for political reasons, rather than for an accurate representation of costs of living. There are a number of reasons why this could be the case.
Steady inflation
In many ways, a low-inflation Government is seen as a successful Government. The last time the economy really struggled was under the Conservatives in the early 90s - and this was cited as a major factor in their loss of power. 3% inflation is by no means a low rate of inflation, but it's a lot better than 9.5%.
Risk of a downturn
On the other hand, announcing an official inflation rate of 9.5% could be devastating to the economy. In times of uncertainty, a large part of recovery is down to consumer and lender confidence.
High inflation means money is technically worth less - so people are poorer, and spend less. If companies give pay rises in line with high inflation, the prices which cause inflation are sustained, and may continue to rise. If they reach a certain point too quickly, demand will suddenly fall - meaning business are stuck with high costs that are not being met by demand, and may be forced to make cutbacks. If this results in above-average unemployment, companies are hit by a further reduction on demand, which could lead to further cutbacks - potentially sparking economic recession.
The rise in costs of living may well be higher than inflation would suggest - but the inflation rate affects consumer confidence. In this sense, an unrealistically low inflation figure could in fact save the economy from further damage.
Is it accurate?
Thirdly, a 9.5% inflation rate wouldn't give the full picture. Yes, some of the most significant costs of living are rising at this rate - but the costs of many other goods and services aren't. For example, the average consumer does not need to spend 9.5% more of their disposable income on things like CDs, DVDs, books, trips to the cinema, and pints of beer than they did this time last year.
With that in mind, could it be that grouping a 'basket of goods and services' together and measuring the average rise in costs isn't accurate enough? With increases in essential costs of living varying so wildly from that of other goods and services, it might be more accurate to release different figures for different areas of the economy - only then would it be clear just how much are costs are rising, where they are rising, and how much of a problem it is.
However inflation is measured, the Real Cost of Living Index is an important figure. It measures costs which have a huge impact on how much we have left as disposable income. Regardless of whether they publicly acknowledge it, the Government may well take a 9.5% rise in these costs very seriously.
About the Author
Melanie Taylor writes for Think Money, who provide a wide range of financial &
debt
solutions so you don't need to shop around.
|
|
Sea Eagle 8FD Inflatable Boat $549 9' 7" Four man inflatable boat. Complete with motormount, floorboards, two seats, oars, pump, repair kit |
|
|
Sea Eagle 380xd Inflatable Kayak $899 Sea Eagle 380x inflatable kayak. 12'4" long, holds 2 adults. Rated for up to class 4 whitewater. |
|
|
Sea Eagle 14SR Deluxe Inflatable Boat $2299 Sea Eagle 14SR Inflatable sport boat. Deluxe Package. Carries 7 adults, 40 HP engine. Double reinforced 19" inflatable tubes. |
|
|
8.10YT Yacht Tender Inflatable Boat $999 3 man foldable inflatable boat. Inflates in minutes, folds to fit in any trunk. 5 hp. capacity, makes a great yacht tender or RV companion |
|
|
Sea Eagle 10.6SRD 5 man Inflatable boat $1499 10' 6" Inflatable boat Deluxe package. HOlds 5-people, 15 hp. capacity. Rugged 1000 denier fabric, reinforcement layers under hull. Great for yacht tending. |
|
|
Sea Eagle 12.6 SRD 6 Man inflatable Boat $1799 12' 6" - 6 man inflatable boat. Rugged 1000 denier material, maintenance free plastic floorboards. 3 year warranty. Complete kit - see page for details. |
|
|
Nylon Carry Bag for inflatable boat $25 Our storage bag is a convenient way to transport your Sea Eagle. This 26x43 inch bag will comfortably hold a deflated SE-6, SE-8, SE-9, or SE-330 and several accessories (i.e. oars, pump & motormount). |
|
|
340xd Explorer Kayak $849 2 person inflatable kayak, great for camping and whitewater. |
|
|
395ps PaddleSki $899 2 person inflatable rowing catamaran kayak. Great for sea kayaking! |
|
|
Not Inflatable $21.99 Not Inflatable - T-Shirt |
|
|
Inflatable Pumpkin Costume $35.95 If you want a look that will conjure up Halloween and trick or treating; then consider this Inflatable Pumpkin Costume! Our Inflatable Pumpkin Costume comes with a bright orange inflatable jumpsuit; with Jack O'Lantern detail on the front and hanging vine accents! This also comes with an orange headpiece with green stem detail on the top! Combine this with a bunch of candy to bring smiles to everyone you meet! So if you're still stuck, come to the pumpkin patch and get yourself a great Halloween costume today! |
|
|
Giant Ghost With Top Hat Airblown Inflatable $79.99 Make it a formal affair when you greet guests with this giant top hat clad Airblown inflatable ghost decoration - he's a full twelve feet tall! Illuminated from within, he'll stand head and shoulders |
|
|
Inflatable Rider Costume - Horse $38.95 Yee haw! Ready to ride and revel this Halloween? Need something expansively exciting to complete your wacky wardrobe? Then this Horse Inflatable Rider Costume is just what you're looking for!This amusing apparel features an inflatable, tan horse suit that is worn over the lower torso! The horse is raising its front legs in the air and the top of the beast includes the lower torso of a cowboy to make it appear like you're in full riding form! Everyone will enjoy seeing the comical cowboy in you this Halloween!With this Horse Inflatable Rider Costume, you'll have just what you need to have hours of humorous hilarity this Halloween season! |
|
|
Inflatable Rider Costume - Bull $38.95 Yee haw! Ready to ride and revel this Halloween? Need something expansively exciting to complete your wacky wardrobe? Then this Bull Inflatable Rider Costume is just what you're looking for!This amusing apparel features an inflatable, brown bull suit that is worn over the lower torso! The bull is kicking its legs back and the top of the beast includes the lower torso of a cowboy to make it appear like you're in full riding form! Everyone will enjoy seeing the comical cowboy in you this Halloween!With this Bull Inflatable Rider Costume, you'll have just what you need to have hours of humorous hilarity this Halloween season! |
|
|
Sea Eagle 9 Fisherman's Dream Kit $599 Rugged 11' x 4'8" Inflatable boat featuring super thick 38 mil Polykrylar hull material, wooden floorboards, two seats, motormount, oars, foot pump and repair kit. |
|
|
Sea Eagle 330 Deluxe Package $299 Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Canoe. Rugged 33 mil polykrylar hull. 11'2" x 2'10" Only 26 lbs. Complete with two seats, two 7' 10" paddles, footpump, and repair kit. |
|
|
Inflatable Buffet Cooler Each $14.99 Our Inflatable Buffet Cooler has a white background full of multi-colored polka dots in red, pink, orange, green, and blue and fits perfectly on top of a table to keep your food and drinks chilled. Each plastic Inflatable Table Cooler measures 54 inches long x 22 inches wide x 4 1/2 inches deep and may be reused. Give a festive look to your summer tabletop display and keep your food and drinks iced at the same time! |
|
|
Two Men Use Lung Power to Top Off Their Inflatable Raft $39.99 Randy Olson Two Men Use Lung Power to Top Off Their Inflatable Raft - Photographic Print |
|
|
SE370 Deluxe Kayak $349 12 ft kayak featuring:Self bailing drain valveThree deluxe one-way valvesLashed down inflatable spray skirtsI-beam construction floor2 skegs on the bottom for better tracking & speed Pressure Gauge and Repair KitBow & Stern Grab Line3 year warranty |
|
|
MB100 High Pressure Electric $89 Designed for our Sport Boats, PaddleSkis, & Kayaks (except the SE-330), the MB-100 high speed electric pump is specifically designed for higher pressure inflatable boats. Hooks up to a car battery. Just set the pressure gauge to the desired pressure and turn on. |
|
|
Number 2 Inflatable Column Each $89.99 Our Number 2 Inflatable Fabric Column inflates easily when attached to the top of the included motorized base. Each white Number Two Inflatable Column is made of polyester and plastic standing 4 feet high x 17 inches in diameter when fully inflated. Easy assembly. |
|
|
Number 1 Inflatable Column Each $89.99 This Number 1 Inflatable Fabric Column easily inflates when you put it on top of the included motorized base. Each Number One Inflatable Column is made of polyester and plastic measuring 4 feet high x 17 inches in diameter when fully inflated. |
|
|
Kids Inflatable Clown Costume $29.95 Do you like to tell jokes and clown around with your friends? If so, just follow your bright red nose over to this Kids Inflatable Clown Costume! Our Kids Inflatable Clown Costume comes with a multi-colored hat with yellow pom-pom on top! This also comes with a multi-colored jumpsuit with blue clown collar and multi-colored pom-poms down the front! This even includes a battery-operated fan to keep your costume full and puffy at all times! Order a pair of big floppy red shoes and clown make-up to complete this hilarious look! So get into the ring, or three rings, and purchase this costume today! |
|
|
Inflatable Tiki Hut Cooler Each $24.99 This Inflatable Tiki Hut Cooler features an ivory background with the words COLD DRINKS at the top and hibiscus flowers and palm leaves in multi-colors decorating the legs. Each plastic Tiki Hut Cooler measures approximately 4 feet high x 2 1/2 feet wide with the inflatable bucket measuring 20 inches x 20 inches.The amount of cans or bottles this will fit will depend on how much ice is used inside the inflatable bucket. |
|
|
Daron Worldwide Trading EB001 Carnival Ship Inflatable $19.18 This is a large Carnival Cruise Lines inflatable cruise ship This cruise ship collectible is over 22 inches long and has an eyelet on top for hanging the ship from the ceiling. This inflatable boat would be a great souvenir of a cruise or a prop for a bon voyage party The cruise ship inflatable is brand new and factory sealed |
|
|
Costumes For All Occasions FM59719 Inflatable Treasure Chest $27.95 Realistic looking inflatable pirate chest with skull and crossbones on the top. Dimensions: 25 x 13 x 18 inflated. Satisfaction ensured. |
|
|
I HEART GIANT INFLATABLE BEAVER Love Women's Tank Top by CafePress $22 I LOVE GIANT INFLATABLE BEAVER... as does Bob Costas. Who doesn't enjoy giant, inflatable beaver? Love Women's Tank Top Sporty and sexy, wear our women's tank top to beat the summer heat or workout in cool comfort. Our tank top is made of 100% combed ring spun cotton, and cut for a close, fashionable fit. Neck and armhole are carefully shaped to conceal a bra.6.1 o |
|
|
Sevylor QuikPak K5 Inflatable Kayak $289.99 SEVYLOR QUIKPAK K5 INFLATABLE KAYAKQuikPak K5 KayakOne person capacityMax Capacity: 250 lbs.10' x 3'900D polyester (top), 1000D x 1000D polyester laminated with 24 gauge PVC(bottom)Seat converts to a backpackPadded Shoulder StrapsStorage areaPull HandlesBungee lacing for cargoMultiple D-RingsSpray S |
|
|
Bow Storage Bag $21 This trim, attractive bag fits on the bow of our 420x, 380x & 340x kayaks. Great for storing snacks, sodas, repair kits or a spare pump.Also fits on our 395ps and 435ps paddleski models. |
|
|
Stern Storage Bag $18 This trim, attractive bag fits on the stern of our canoes. Great for storing snacks, sodas, repair kits or a spare pump. |
|
|
Nylon Seat Bag for Aluminum Seat $39 Makes excellent use of the dead space underneath the wooden seat. Nylon flap secured with Velcro makes attachment easy. Comes with Nylon shoulder strap to carry to and from your boat. Storage capacity: 14 x 24 x 9. |
|
|
Sea Eagle 375fc Fold Cat Pro Angler $1299 Pontoon boats are a great way to get to places where fish are hiding. But who has 35-40 minutes to spare to put your boat together? Most rowing frames take that long to assemble. Our FoldCat has a unique folding support system that can be inflated and assembled in 5 minutes by one person. |
|
|
SeaEagle.com life jacket $39 Sea Eagle Coast Guard Approved Life Jackets are good looking and durable. Features four plastic closures on adjustable nylon straps for a comfortable, secure fit. |
|
|
Sea Eagle Surf Mat $19 Great Fun on the Ocean!Two built in skegs let the Sea Eagle Surf Mat track down the face of a wave like a North Shore pro! Double I-Beam construction makes it rigid and bouyant, and an extra heavy PolyKrylar material make it tough and durable. |
|
|
Repair Kit For Transom Boats $15 Repair kit for Transom Sport Boats, Explorer Kayaks and Paddleski models. Includes two pieces of hull material, tube of glue & Halkey-Roberts valve replacement tool. |
|
|
A-41 Large Bellows Pump $39 A high capacity footpump made of durable ABS plastic. Packs down for easy travel. Comes with adapter valves for Motormount boats, Transom boats, Paddleski, and kayak models. |
|
|
MB-50 Electric Pump $39 The MB-50 electric pump inflates our motormount boats in a matter of minutes. Includes a cigarette lighter adapter for automotive use. Includes multiple valve adapters and a nine foot battery cable. This pump is for the SE6, SE8, SE9 and SE330 models. |
|
|
Deluxe Fly Fishing Seat $39 Our new Deluxe Fly Fishing Kayak High Seat provides super comfort and great back support like our regular Deluxe Kayak seat, but it sits you up 3” higher for greater casting comfort. Can be used with the SE 330, 395 ps, 435 ps, 340x, 380x, & 420x. |



US $139.00





























































































