How's everyone hanging in there with the cost of living these days?

[Rich One]

We take advantage of their weekend discounts on Mercado Pago roo.

It’s usually 20/25% acumulable with their wekend 3x2s etc. We regularly get a 300k shop down to 200k that way.

My XP at the Comunidad Coto , went for the MP 25% discount, bought 20 items. Only 3 had discounts . Figured the overall discount was less than 10 % ??? Must learn to buy only products that have MP discount ?

 

[Rich One]

One must resist the phenomenal price increases (please don't quote prices in Sydney or Seattle). Buy only essentials. If consumption keeps declining something will have to give...? Resist Do not consume.

The Milei Bonanza may show up at supermarkets in late 2026 if ever ?? then workers will have asado every week end, and spend 2 weeks in Mar del Plata in summer. Jubilados will afford the medications. A mirage..?

 

[argeiCanuck]

(please don't quote prices in Sydney or Seattle).

Hourly wages of world major cities are quintuple to TEN times as great as Argentine wages.

 

[steveinbsas]

One must resist the phenomenal price increases (please don't quote prices in Sydney or Seattle). Buy only essentials. If consumption keeps declining something will have to give...? Resist Do not consume.

To whom excatly does the word "one" apply? Are you advocating that some or most (if not all) expats adopt what might be regarded as a "frugal lifestyle" to drive down prices in Argentina?

According to Sergio, most expats would "not be willing to adopt (a) frugal lifestyle." He was addressing me specifically when he wrote that on November 12 in reply to my post (#52 in this thread).

I did not respond to the comment then, but I will now. I actually regard my lifestyle as "economical" rather than "frugal" though I agree with Sergio's assessment regarding most expats, including me.

While my monthly income is fixed at $800 USD and my monthly COL has more than doubled this year and is now a little over half my monthly income, I can still buy all the beef, eggs, butter and coffee that I wish to consume every day, as well as pay all of the bills and still have almost $400 USD to invest, which I will continue as long as possible. If and (more likely) when my monthly COL becomes greater than $800USD I will start selling some of my investments.

PS: I don't spend money eating in restaurants because I am frugal. I don't eat in restaurants because have a desire to stay healthy, and I don't spend money on internacional travel because I prefer being where I live more than any other place in the world.

I probably would not feel this way if I had been frugal and bought a cheaper place to live, instead of the house I have been living in, sleeping under the same roof every night, since June 25, 2010. There is not now, and never has been, a financial reason preventing me from internacional travel.

There simply isn't anywhere else in the world l would rather be...or consider worth the effort to get there.

 

[sergio]

To whom excatly does the word "one" apply? Are you advocating that some or most (if not all) expats adopt what might be regarded as a "frugal lifestyle" to drive down prices in Argentina?

According to Sergio, most expats would "not be willing to adopt (a) frugal lifestyle." He was addressing me specifically when he wrote that on November 12 in reply to my post (#52 in this thread).

I did not respond to the comment then, but I will now. I actually regard my lifestyle as "economical" rather than "frugal" though I agree with Sergio's assessment regarding most expats, including me.

While my monthly income is fixed at $800 USD and my monthly COL has more than doubled this year and is now half my monthly income, I can still buy all the beef, eggs, butter and coffee that I wish to consume every day, as well as pay all of the bills and still have almost $400 USD to invest, which I will continue as long as possible. If and (more likely) when my monthly COL becomes greater than $800USD I will start selling some of my investments.

PS: I don't spend money eating in restaurants because I am frugal. I have a desire to stay healthy and I don't spend money on travel because I prefer being where I live more than any other place in the world.

I probably would not feel this way if I had been frugal and bought a cheaper place to live, instead of the house I have been living in, sleeping under the same roof every night, since June 25, 2010. There is not now, and never has been, a financial reason from preventing me from internacional travel.

There simply isn't anywhere else in the world l want to be...or consider worth the effort to get there.

Steve, I admire your ability to live on a modest income and to adapt to difficult times. I stand by what I said regarding expats and how very few would be willing to do the same - unless maybe they had no choice and even then I wonder if many would be as resourceful as you. I have a feeling that conditions will improve and that you won't have to sell assets. The CEPO won't last forever.

 

[retiredbanker]

Hourly wages of world major cities are quintuple to TEN times as great as Argentine wages.

Then when you finally arrive at one of those cities and land a job, do let everyone know how you enjoy it.

 

[argeiCanuck]

Then when you finally arrive at one of those cities and land a job, do let everyone know how you enjoy it.

Boy a boy
I surely did
Big time
The 90's was glory time
Retired abruptly age 49
My SF Fox Plaza studio (20 M2) rent $2000 was dirt cheap for my wages.

BA rent or medication prices are a joke for BA wages. (for working people)

 

[retiredbanker]

Boy a boy
I surely did
Big time
The 90's was glory time
Retired abruptly age 49
My SF Fox Plaza studio (20 M2) rent $2000 was dirt cheap for my wages.

BA rent or medication prices are a joke for BA wages. (for working people)

Am thrilled that you're doing so well although 30 years ago things were much different. Unlike you life has been exceptionally good to me as even these days I have far more than most.

 

[Lanick]

Pretzels Autenta Foods

Pretzels Auntenta Foods

www.tiendacallao.com.ar

You can buy a pack of pretzel with 10 installments of 2400 pesos. Financing a pack of pretzels!!

 

[Lanick]

After 3 weeks in the overinflated Argentina, I came to a conclusion that it’s not as bad as it seems so long you got a little bit of wisdom. Going anywhere, ordering anything without worrying about checking the menu doesn’t exist anymore! But if you do some research in advance you may have almost similar prices as before.

1) Get all the debit cards from almost all banks as they offer crazy discounts. Galicia debit card is a must must must have! If I had Galicia card; my expenses last week would be 30% less last week. You can keep your money in one bank but transfer it to any card that offers the discount before you pay.

2) Definitely get a prepaid Carrefour credit card. If you don’t have DNI just email them and they’ll sort it out! Instant 15% on certain days and online everyday.

3) uber, Cabify still cheap.

4) if you need pt, tennis coach etc don’t worry about negotiating. There are ones willing to offer competitive prices.

5) utilities still on the cheaper side.

6) I’ve found an upscale asado offering 800gr Tbone with all those sides (great for 2 people) for like $22. You have to shop around and establish new places that you’ll frequent. Those days of “oi waiter, another bottle of champers over here!!” days are over.

7) Medical facilities for expats are still great and affordable. For medicines you have to shop around as well.

8) Always check the inserts and circulars of supermarkets. Bolivian market asking 6000 for peaches but at Disco they were 2200.

I hope this helps.