Finding Deflation
By: Financial Shopper Network
Deflation is a word thrown around more than
hot biscuits. What exactly is deflation? Should you be afraid of if it happens?
Deflation is a state in the economic cycle
when prices fall through the roof. The problem with deflation is that it messes
up everything. Employers get the temptation to forgo your raises. That
sounds like a farce statement? Not really, when you consider prices are
going down. Therefore deflation is an economic state, where employers are making
less money on the products they sell. They cannot charge as much for their
products.
As a consumer, an interesting phenomena can
take place during periods of deflation. It is called reverse greed. People start
to believe prices will continue to fall, so they do nothing. They do not buy or
they will wait to the last minute, hoping for a sale. Unleaded gas may see
spikes of sales on Thursday because they expect to find a lower price on this
day.
Deflation has not reared its ugly head in our
economy in recent years. None of us really want our paycheck to stay the same
for two or three years. Please Greenspan keep deflation away from us.