A 3.6% raise meets 3.7% prices. Two neighbors read the numbers side by side.
By Neil Kessler and Margo HaleOctober 16, 2026Weekend Edition, Issue No. 3
“It’s not a raise. It’s a coupon for most of a tank.”
JUST THE FACTS. Social Security’s 2027 raise is 3.6%, for about 76 million people. Average retirement checks rise about $75 a month, starting in January. September’s inflation report: prices up 3.7% over a year. Gas up 34.2%. Sources: Daily Wire; SSA (raise). CNBC; BLS (prices).
NEIL SAYS. Okay, let me finish. The government gave me a raise so I can pay the government’s gas prices.
My guys took a victory lap on a raise that loses to a gas pump. I’d have done the lap too. Slower. Gas.
THE SHARE LINE. “It’s not a raise. It’s a coupon for most of a tank.”
MARGO SAYS. I read the two numbers side by side. Slowly. Then to the HOA. Nobody clapped.
The price climb started on my side’s watch. I have that receipt too. It’s long.
THE SHARE LINE. “A raise smaller than the bill is just a slower bill.”
THE ONE THING THEY AGREE ON. The HOA has never given anyone a raise.