I listened to an economist who said that inflation has no effect or a great effect depending on what and how we shop. I am not in the car buying market so pricey new cars have no effect on me. However, my grocery bill is approx $300 a month more than it was 3 years ago. Eating out totals $200 a month more now. I keep a detailed budget and can see the increase in all expenses over time. LHG is spot on.
My records tell me that inflation in some categories is well over 20%, while it is flat in a few others. Gas has peaks and valleys but overall is higher.
All of the increased costs affect Bethel. Some costs get passed on to the congs but Bethel has to absorb all food costs and internal vehicle costs and gas and maintenance supplies and construction supplies and more. They don’t pay tax but never did so they feel no relief from their charitable status - they have always had it.
Non-profits with large unpaid staffs get hit hard by inflation and have no one to pass the extra costs onto. Donations in JWland are decreasing so they have few avenues to absorb the expense. I still believe that their planned projects are on hold because of inflation and donation shortfalls. In the past, even projects they planned to cancel were talked up to increase donations.