Inflation suggests that the cost of living rises (nearly) every year. Following the impact of the Global Financial Crisis, some areas of the economy are flat, some have gone backwards and others are approaching previous high points. We are interested in how it is impacting the average person. Here is a quick poll for you to complete. We can look at the results in the New Year.

[poll id=”6″]

We here in Australia have been lucky to avoid the bulk of the impact of the GFC. Our banks continue to lend for residential property (although they are reducing lending to small business) and unemployment has been kept in check. Here is a quick picture of how the United States retailers see the Christmas expenditure season.

However you may be spending Christmas this year, i hope it is full of fun, sun, family and good friends.