Gun Industry Holding The Line As Raw Material Prices Skyrocket

Firearms and ammunition have risen in price along with other things. That's no surprise.

However, firearm and ammo manufacturers have been striving to hold the line as the raw materials needed have gotten more expensive.

That is the subject of an article in the NRA's American Rifleman web page.  

They begin with:

The raw material required to manufacture ammunition and firearms has gotten more expensive each year. That isn’t breaking news, but the gun industry’s ability to fight the headwind—avoiding or delaying passing production cost increases along to enthusiasts—says a lot about its increased efficiency and dedication to customers.   

Brass, for example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) index—which was assigned a figure of 100 to its price in 1986 to serve as a baseline for comparison in subsequent years—increased from 553 in July 2022 to 676 in August 2025. Admittedly both numbers are down from the painful 786 it reached during the pandemic. To put that figure into perspective, the material now costs 6.76 times more than it did in 1986.

To read more, go here. 

Many Americans Unable To Save For Retirement

Above, our senior group cut back on restaurant gatherings from five days to two due to rising prices.

It is getting harder and harder to save money for retirement.

Thanks to inflation, it costs more to buy food, pay for rent, buy a house, healthcare and just everyday living expenses.

CBS News reports that more people are living paycheck-to-paycheck these days and finding it nearly impossible to save for retirement.

They begin with:

Many Americans are eager to put money away for retirement, but that goal is increasingly out of reach because more workers are living paycheck to paycheck, a new Goldman Sachs study finds.

Roughly 42% of younger working Americans — spanning Gen Z, millennials and Gen X — report having no spare savings after covering their basic living expenses, according to the analysis, which surveyed about 3,600 workers and 1,500 retirees. Among those just getting by, about three-quarters said they are struggling to save for retirement, the survey found. 

The share of U.S. workers in this precarious financial position has grown significantly since 1997, when 31% lived paycheck to paycheck, according to Goldman. The investment bank projects that figure could climb to well over half of Americans by 2033 as essentials like housing and health care continue to rise in cost.

To read more, go here.

Cheap Shooting With A .22 Ain’t So Cheap Anymore

Have you noticed that the cost of ammo is a lot more than it used to be?

Granted, this is the case with everything these days. Even .22 cal. ammo is a lot more expensive. Remember the days when a box of .22 was only 79 cents?

Fortunately for me, I have plenty of .22 shells that I purchased before inflation hit during the pandemic. This is also true with ammo in other calibers that I have purchased. 

This is the subject of an article in Press Pros Magazine.

They begin it with:

If it’s been a while seen you bought a box of .22 shells for hunting or shooting tin cans…you’re in for a surprise.  You need more than a paper route to pay for it.

Short and sweet, fall hunting season is soon to be upon us and some of you will be stocking up on the essentials.

Short and sweet…it’s going to cost more than you remember.  Where simple hunting ammunition is concerned, it might cost so much that you put aside pre-season target practice.  These are not the days of picking up a box of Super X .22s for 79 cents.  And as I write this I’m staring at a box from the 70s, probably from a hardware store in Canfield, Ohio, with 79 cents written on the back in magic marker. Today, you’ll pay ten times that much.

Ammunition of all shapes and sizes are more now than you remember, unless you’re a committed shooter and don’t care.  However, the cost of shooting is making a dent.  I know numerous trap and skeet shooters who have given it up, altogether, simply because a box of 25 trap shells, on average, cost $8.00 a box.  A decade ago they were $5.  Two decades ago they were $30 for a case.

Center-fire ammo prices are extreme, compared to what you remember shooting in your grandad’s 30-30 Winchester.

To read more, go here. 

Traps That Ruin Hawaii Vacations and Avoiding Them

Above, a hilltop view of Waikiki and Diamond Head. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was a good thing that I took a Hawaii vacation nine years ago instead of during recent years.

I have been reading on how a vacation there has gotten more expensive. Back when I went there in 2016, I didn't feel prices were any worse than anywhere else. But, times have certainly changed. 

There are some traps that can ruin a Hawaiian vacation. Beat of Hawaii lays them out and also tells how to avoid them.

They begin with:

A perfect Hawaii vacation is still possible. But more than ever, travelers find that one slip-up can sour the whole trip, whether in Hawaii or not. That’s not just a gut feeling—it’s backed by data. In a new Go City survey of U.S. travelers, 92 percent said one bad element—like poor service, delays, or surprise fees—could ruin an entire vacation. It resonates with us and it might you too.

Hawaii is clearly high-stakes travel. The flights are long, the price tags are increasingly steep, and the emotional investment is big. So when something does go wrong—even something small—it tends to hit harder than on a weekend getaway.

But it doesn’t have to. Knowing where the traps are found and how Hawaii travelers often stumble, you can design a trip that works for you, your budget, and your high expectations. Here’s how to avoid the most common vacation breakdowns in paradise.

To read more, go here. 

How Much Are You Paying For Gas?

Here's the prices by state:

Rare and Collectible Coins: An Alternative Investment Trend?

Above, an 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar (BU). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Rare coin collecting is seen as a hedge against inflation and as investments. 

According to an article in  Fox4KC:

HARWICH PORT, MA, UNITED STATES, March 5, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- In an era where investors seek stability and long-term value, rare and collectible coins are gaining traction as a compelling alternative investment. Traditionally viewed as a niche market for numismatists, the coin-collecting industry has now attracted mainstream investors looking for tangible assets with the potential for appreciation. But what is driving this renewed interest in rare coins, and should investors consider them as part of a diversified portfolio? Let’s explore the key factors fueling this trend.

The Growing Appeal of Rare Coins as Investments

Historically, rare coins have been collected for their historical significance, artistry, and intrinsic value. However, their role as an investment asset has grown significantly in recent years, particularly due to economic uncertainty and inflation concerns. Unlike stocks or cryptocurrencies, rare coins are tangible assets with a finite supply, making them an attractive hedge against economic downturns.

According to the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), the global rare coin market is valued at over $10 billion annually, and demand continues to grow. The Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index also reported a 175% increase in the value of rare coins over the past decade, outpacing many traditional asset classes, including real estate and fine art.

To read more, go here. 

Ammo Prices Set To Rise 'Substantially'

"All signs point toward a looming ammo shortage in the U.S. and world at large. Now is a good time to think about stockpiles and economical rimfire training." - Firearms News.

There's an old saying, "Keep your powder dry!" This basically means to wait before taking action, but be ready to take action if it is necessary.

The powder refers to gunpower. 

For those who have stockpiled ammunition, the possible shortage of gunpowder will have less of an impact. But for those who haven't, keep what you have ready for possible necessary use. Also, you may want to start stockpiling ammo before prices start climbing.

Ammunition prices are set to rise "substantially" due to an anticipated global shortage of gunpowder.

MSN reported:

Vista Outdoor, a parent company to many firearms businesses, told Newsweek that it will substantially increase its ammunition prices due to "an anticipated global shortage of gunpowder."

The Minnesota-based company confirmed the authenticity of a December 1 letter sent to customers that it would go ahead with an across-the-board increase of its ammunition and gunpowder prices on January 1.

"Due to world events our suppliers have notified us of unprecedented demand for and an anticipated global shortage of gunpowder, and thus has increased our prices substantially," Vice President of Sales, Sporting Products Brett Nelson said in the letter. "We must therefore raise our pricing to help offset those increases."

To read more, go here. 

New Mexico No. 8 In High Grocery Bills

If one is from New Mexico and noticed that grocery bills are much higher, it is not your imagination. The truth is, grocery items are much higher than they were four years ago.

New Mexico ranks at number eight of the nation's highest grocery price states. 

Piñon Post reported:

New Mexico has ranked as the eighth-highest state for grocery bills in the U.S., according to a Visual Capitalist analysis mapping how much Americans spend on groceries across all states. Despite New Mexico’s relatively low cost of living compared to more expensive states like California, residents still face elevated food costs, with households spending approximately $286 per week—or around $1,144 a month—on groceries.

Nationally, grocery prices have surged significantly, with costs for “food at home” rising by 20% since August 2020, marking the steepest inflation since the 1970s, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. American households spend about $270 weekly on groceries, translating to $1,080 monthly, based on data sourced from the Census Bureau. Yet, the burden of food costs varies significantly from state to state.

To read more, go here. 

RVers Are Fed Up With Rising Park Prices Says Jellystone Park Campgrounds

Above, Tucson / Lazydays KOA Resort only charged me $36/night last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The national campground chain, Jellystone Park, is concerned over high campsite prices that many RVers are refusing to pay.

The Jellystone Park chain is the nation's second largest campground chain. I have not stayed at one. The largest chain is KOA Kampgrounds, of which I am a member. 

So far, campground rates for me have been mixed. The highest I paid per night was $90 at Monument Valley KOA in September. The lowest was $30 at Valley View Mobile Home & RV Park in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Others this year were averaging around $50 per night. Tucson / Lazydays KOA Resort charged me only $36/night last year after my KOA membership discounts were applied.

RV Travel has posted an article on Jellystone Park's concern over rising prices leading RVers to be "fed up". 

They begin with:

If you’re finding the rates at RV parks are too much to stomach, you’re not alone. “Inflation” has hit nearly every corner of the American economy, including prices demanded for staying in your RV. When will the rate increases stop? Evidently, RV park franchise chain Jellystone is recognizing that “enough” may be too much already. High RV campsite prices are taking their toll.

Still, campground prices are much cheaper than nightly hotel/motel room rates.

To read more, go here.  

America Under Biden-Harris

 Wall Street Apes posted this on X:

Donald Trump just posted this on Truth Social Make sure everyone knows this is Kamala Harris’ economy. She is in office RIGHT NOW and has been this whole time. We are living her American Nightmare and drowning in inflation

$15/Hour Minimum Wage Hurting Colorado Rafting Outfitters

Above, yours truly rafting the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming in 2019.

Another factor of inflation these days (that doesn't get as much coverage as it should) is the raising of minimum wages in different states. 

Everyone is aware of the high prices at fast food restaurants due to higher minimum wages, but there are some businesses that are suffering which are not on anyone's radar.

One such business is the river rafting industry in Colorado. Colorado is a blue state dominated by radical Democrats.

A Colorado rafting company recently lost a court battle over the state's $15.00/hour minimum wage.

MSN.com reported:

GRANITE, Colo. (KKTV) -A recent federal court ruling could increase the cost of rafting on the Arkansas River. Colorado river outfitters, including Arkansas Valley Adventures, have lost their legal fight to avoid paying state-mandated minimum wages to their raft guides.

The decision, handed down on April 30 by the federal court, upheld a $15 per hour minimum wage, following an appeal to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last year.

The outfitters argued that the wage increase would escalate their operating costs, potentially leading to higher prices for customers and fewer available trips. The government contends that higher wages will boost worker productivity and improve service quality.

“You know, we’re going to pay you twice as much but guess what, we don’t have any work. It wouldn’t help us. We didn’t want that. We wanted an exemption. We wanted to understand our situation, and that just didn’t happen,” said Arkansas Valley Adventures owner Duke Bradford.

A $15.00/hour minimum wage sounds lovely, but that won't do anyone any good if companies have to cut back or even go out of business. The river rafting industry is especially hurt since it is seasonal.

To read more, go here. 

Macy's, Retailers Charging Over 35% Interest On Credit Cards

It's a good thing that I've paid off my Macy's credit card. They and other retailers are hiking their credit card interest rates to around 35%. Ouch!

According to CBS 8: 

SAN DIEGO — Interest rates on retail credit cards are on the rise, and the numbers may surprise you.

Macy’s just sent letters to its card users announcing the interest rate on their Macy's card is jumping to 34.49%. Industry experts told CBS 8 the increase is part of a nationwide trend.

“I mean, i follow this so closely that I'm not shocked, but on the face of it, yeah, that's a really high interest rate," said Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at Bankrate.

Rossman says retail stores already have the highest APRs, and those rates have been climbing steadily mirroring what the Feds are doing. 

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Hotel Rates Rising

Above, surfers on Waikiki Beach. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was a good thing that I took a vacation trip to Hawaii eight years ago before the current inflation rate made hotel accommodations very expensive. Prices have risen so much so that it is pricing out some potential visitors.

According to SFGATE:

Hawaii’s hotel room rates have increased dramatically in the past five years. It’s causing some travelers to look elsewhere, as the number of visitors to Hawaii is declining.

The state’s average daily hotel room rate increased 35% in April 2024 compared to April 2019, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Hawaii Hotel Performance Report. Oahu increased the least, at about 20%.

“It’s inflation. Some people try to blame it on Hawaii. It’s everywhere,” Jo Wattle, travel adviser and owner of Travel with Jo, told SFGATE. 

The Island of Hawaii and Kauai top the state in terms of percentage increase. Daily room rates in April 2019 were $260 and $267 respectively, while April 2024 data shows rates have increased more than 60% to $442 and $432.

Josh Hargrove, general manager of the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, agrees that inflation has increased Hawaii’s overall room rates. 

To read more, go here. 

Bidenomics At The Grocery Store

Here's what Bidenomics has brought to us (as of January 2024):

In some states, prices are even higher. 

NM One of The Most Expensive States To Buy Groceries

Lately, I've been noticing how high my grocery bills have risen.

I haven't changed my buying habits, but what used to cost me around $70-75 in total, now totals over $100.

Piñon Post has posted an article that what I have experienced isn't a figment of the imagination.

They wrote that New Mexico is one of the most expensive states to buy groceries.

They start with:

According to a recent study from HelpAdvisor, New Mexico is the sixth most expensive state in America to buy groceries.

HelpAdvisor’s study has uncovered a stark reality: the average American’s weekly grocery bill is $270.21, significantly lower than New Mexico’s average of $ 286.39.

“While U.S. inflation slowed in 2023, grocery store cash registers continued running hot. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the consumer price index for food at home was up 1.7% year-over-year in November,” HelpAdvisor noted.

The only states beating New Mexico’s $286.39 average weekly grocery cost were Florida at $287.27, Washington at $287.67, Mississippi at $290.64, Nevada at $294.76, and California at $297.72.

The sad irony of all this is that New Mexico is one of the poorest states, yet grocers are sticking it to the population.

To read more, go here.

Japan Hotel Prices Near 30-Year High

Above, the Dormy Inn in Niigata. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The United States isn't the only country with inflation problems.

In Japan, the weak yen is fueling the highest hotel prices in 30 years along with record numbers of foreign visitors. This amounts to a two-edged sword.

According to The Japan Times:

Hotel prices in Japan soared to a near three-decade high in March, as the cheap yen and the cherry blossom season attracted a record number of tourists to the country.

The average daily room rate for March was about ¥20,986 ($136), the highest level since August 1997 and a nearly 20% increase from the same period last year, according to CoStar Group. The average hotel occupancy rate also increased to 78%.

A record 3.1 million people visited Japan in March. The yen is hovering at a 34-year low against the dollar, making the country an attractive destination for inbound tourists. The tourism boom has been led by arrivals from South Korea, Taiwan and China in the midst of the cherry blossom season, which traditionally draws in visitors.

 To read more, go here.

5 Reasons To Invest In Silver Bars and Coins

Above, 2024 American Silver Eagles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Despite the gaslighting news media and His Fraudulency Joe Biden say, the economy is not in great shape.

There is a way to hedge one's finances against inflation. That's buying silver.

At least that is what CBS News is saying in a new article.

They begin with:

Investors are facing a fair share of economic challenges right now, including persistent inflation and the high interest rates meant to temper it. And, there are other factors, like geopolitical conflicts and ballooning government deficits, that are further impacting the economy and the investing landscape. 

Today's unusual economic climate has, in turn, led many investors to look for ways to diversify their portfolios to protect their wealth and portfolio returns. One of the best ways to do that is to invest in safe-haven assets, like precious metals, to help offset losses from other investments. 

While gold historically takes center stage in terms of precious metal investing, silver can also offer a unique value proposition. That's because, like gold, silver has long been a hedge against economic turmoil — and there are other good reasons to consider adding it to your portfolio today, too.

To read more, go here.

Gov. Grisham Signs Gas Tax Hike Bill

Above, don't be surprised if gas prices rise this much. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there was ever a good reason to give the Democrat Party the boot out of Santa Fe, this one certainly takes the grand prize.

It is no surprise she would raise gasoline taxes since she is California Gov. Gavin Newsom's "butt girl" on leftist polices, including energy. Small wonder why she's one of the nation's most unpopular governors.

Piñon Post reported:

On Tuesday, the far-left, anti-energy Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed H.B. 41 into law. The bill sponsored by Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) is dubbed the “clean fuel standard.”

The bill will increase gas prices by at least 50 cents per gallon, and you can expect similar increases in groceries and supplies and pretty much everything else. This bill will make life more expensive in New Mexico for average consumers — harming the poorest New Mexicans, who will take the biggest hit with the new law. 

The bill finally passed the Legislature by a thin margin of 36-33 in the House of Representatives.

California, Oregon, and Washington have similar laws in place, and the gas prices in these states have risen significantly due to the radical proposal.  

Remember this whenever you fill up your gas tank and remember to VOTE OUT ALL DEMOCRATS from the New Mexico state legislature. Under this law, gas prices can (and likely will) rise more than 50 cents per gallon.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaii Hotel Prices Up 70%, May Stifle Overtourism

Above, the Sheraton Waikiki in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The "powers that be" in Hawaii are talking about stifling overtourism by adding fees lately.'

However, that may not be necessary since hotel room rates have risen 70% since the end of the pandemic. They may take care of the overtourism "problem".

According to Beat of Hawaii:

With the nightly cost of Hawaii hotels, the state may not need to worry much longer about over-tourism. Between high prices and the pressure on vacation rentals, the issue could become self-regulating. Regular commenter John W. said today that “Hawaii hotel prices are outlandish.” And we concur. The December numbers speak for themselves.

BOH editors will be in West Maui in February to bring you more on-the-ground coverage. What we found, no matter how hard we tried, or where we looked, was what we deemed to be just too high pricing. In the end, given the cost, we chose not to book yet, waiting until the last minute. In addition to costs, the cancellation notice and penalties were too much to feel comfortable.

To read more, go here. 

Japan's 2023 Tourism Boom

Above, the stage at Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is now in a tourism boom. 

Numbers of foreign tourists coming into Japan have been rising since the pandemic restrictions were lifted. The weak yen is one of the reasons foreigners are flocking to Japan. 

However, the average Japanese citizen is feeling the pinch of inflation and other drawbacks of the boom.

Asia Media Centre has posted an article on the tourism boom. 

It begins with:

Japan is enjoying a tourism and investment boom, but ordinary Japanese face a squeeze of wages not keeping pace with inflation. Philip Turner has more from Tokyo. 

Getting that perfect picture of Kiyomizudera temple against glowing red and yellow maples has never been more difficult.  This month Kyoto`s famous autumn colours have attracted so many foreign tourists that authorities are starting to consider Venice-style restrictions on numbers.   Queues at airports are overwhelming even Japan`s excellent infrastructure and organization.  Some 20,000 tourists are entering Japan from South Korea alone every day. 

At the height of Japan`s economic rise in 1989, its cities were among the most expensive in the world.  But over the last year the fall in the yen has made Japan one of the world`s most affordable tourist destinations.

To read more, go here.