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where money goes

Rent rose 3%, groceries rose 2.7%, and eating out rose 3.4% this year. Here is what that does to a paycheck.

The headline inflation number is 3.4%. Where your money actually goes decides whether your number is higher or lower.

You asked for the personal inflation worksheet. It is below, as the slides from the post, then the one move, then the tool the chart points at.

Slide 1 of 7: Rent rose 3%, groceries rose 2.7%, and eating out rose 3.4% this year. Here is what that does to a paycheck.Slide 2 of 7: Price changes over twelve months to August 2026, by the categories most paychecks go to.Slide 3 of 7: On a $2,000 monthly rent, a 3.0% increase is this much more every year.Slide 4 of 7: The headline rate is an average basket. Your basket is rent, groceries, and whatever else you spend the most on.Slide 5 of 7: Knowing your own inflation rate is what makes a raise conversation specific.Slide 6 of 7: Three steps to your own number.Slide 7 of 7: Save this for the week before your review.

Three steps to your own number.

  1. 01
    Write down your three largest monthly costs.For most people: rent, groceries, and one more.
  2. 02
    Find what each cost a year ago.Old statements or the lease.
  3. 03
    Average the increases, weighted by size.That is your inflation rate. Compare it to your raise.

The tool this chart points at

A high-yield savings account

FDIC-insured, no monthly fee, no minimum balance. Where the emergency fund lives.

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Sources: BLS Consumer Price Index, August 2026; Arithmetic on the shelter figure.

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