An Alternative CPI?

This is something I have been pondering for a few months. What is the real rate of inflation? I mean for an average family just trying to get ahead. If I wasn’t paying Social Security taxes I could buy health insurance for my family. It’s almost exactly the same amount. But they would rather “give” me heath insurance for my family and me be very thankful for it.

Claire Wolfe points out a few articles of interest,

An Alternative Inflation Index

He makes a great point about housing costs. Read the whole thing, it’s worth it.

I like to use the What’s a dollar worth? from the Fed.