Future Value of Money

[The Fed]

Goes to show you how the government manipulates the value of the US dollar with their artificially low inflation figures.

Anyone who's older always heard cars are a bargain compared to years ago. Well, it was true at least before Bush 41.

I used what my new Trans Am listed for in 1978 with every option except automatic and T-tops. If you could buy a comparable new Camaro SS for what this calculator shows it would be a huge bargain. About 45% less.

http://www.dollartimes.com/inflation/inflation.php?amount=6750&year=1978

 

[PRRGG1]

And it seems that the government's price inflation calculations often omit selected categories like food and fuels, as if these categories are of minor consequence.

As I plan my retirement, I apply a long term annual inflation rate in excess of what I see applied in popular calculations. I figure it's best to recognize the eroding power of inflation and to also apply a conservative estimate on investment returns. It's amazing how tiny annual changes compound into large amounts as the years go by.

 

[SpoonKiller]

1984 GTI MSRP was $8350 which is $19,900 using that calculator.
2017 base GTI MSRP is $25,595. 25% price difference for all the extra technology in the 2017 doesn't seem that far off. You could get a Fiesta ST for $21,140 MSRP.