Quote:
Originally Posted by TheSquealer
The idea of retiring somewhere on X,XXX / Mo has always been a flawed idea as it assumes that nothing will change economically in the area over a long period of time (i.e. rent goes up dramatically, food costs go up dramatically, medicine goes up etc)... and if you're in a position where you've retired with nothing but 1,200.00 a month and ANTYHING changes that's not to your benefit (exchange rates or prices or bank with your money going tits up etc), then you're totally fucked.
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Well, to illustrate,
I'm pretty sure the costs of living here in Czech Republic (energies, rent, basic utilities, gas, grocery bill) nearly doubled as compared to 2001 or so.
There are several causes -
- constant increase in taxing of the consumption
- cartel on the telecomunication market
- cartel on the energies market,
- most expensive banking system in Europe
- currency rate of CZK / EUR often lowers the income for anybody relying on export
etc.
that of course brings also:
- constant increase in the rental prices
- constant increase in the price for one's grocery bill
etc. etc.
Not to mention that things like electronics or designer clothing are usually 30 - 100 pct. more expensive as compared to Western Europe
During the same time, the wages went up maybe 40 pct. (without taking into account inflation) and pensions practically won't pay for the food on your table, unless shared in a couple, or you live in your own property or, in the local case, more likely in a subsided place that you rent (the old model from before 1989 still applies).
Most expensive things and the major cost from the limited income most people have here are the basic costs of living.