Why Your Raise Is Finally Beating the Cost of a Pet

In episode 109 of Wages and Prices, Lucas and Luna explore a surprising win for workers: wages are finally outpacing pet-related expenses. With the latest data showing average hourly earnings rising to $37.60 and core CPI at 336.1, they break down why pet costs—from vet visits to premium kibble—have been running hot but now are cooling relative to pay. Lucas digs into the 'petflation' phenomenon of 2022-2024, where spending on pets surged 30%, and explains how that trend is reversing. Luna brings up the Bureau of Labor Statistics' pet spending data and asks whether this reprieve is temporary. They also touch on how the labor market shift is giving workers leverage to negotiate raises that stick, even as rent and insurance costs remain stubborn. The episode closes with a look ahead: if pet costs are easing, what's next? A tight, data-driven conversation for anyone who's ever winced at a vet bill. #Wages #Prices #Petflation #Raise #CostOfLiving #Economics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LucasAndLuna #WageGrowth #Inflation #PetCosts #VetBills #DogFood #CatCare #LaborMarket #PetOwnership #ConsumerSpending Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo