OH MY HEAD !...Where is the Economy Going...Fall 2024 ?

[@robertdknight]

With your talk today, I got the urge to go back and watch one of the 'garage builds' from your video list. i wish I'd have met you years ago. You've made hundreds of homeowners happy over the years. You should feel so proud of that work. Even in retirement, there's a lot to admire about the care and skill you put into everything you build. Just wanted to say thanks. Can't wait to see what is next. God bless

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks for your comments’

[@wingman8447]

Hoping for a bright future for all of us

[@kenskarpentry]

Me too. Thanks

[@johndickinson186]

After the historical data showing us where we've been, another Ken-ism: "What is next, is coming up next.". Your story about power troweling at night, in the rain, under a tent, with fumes certainly hit home. Yes, that realization that you don't have to do it, or worry about it anymore hit home, as well. But ending a business and retirement can take an emotional toll on figuring out your identity, purpose, and relevancy. I'm here to say you still have all three! What is next, IS coming up next! Thank you Ken.

[@kenskarpentry]

Well said. Thanks

[@vernt4583]

KEN the wood 🪵 chart price is what brought me to your channel pre Covid times and have enjoyed your videos and like yourself I retired during Covid and now I just do hay farming after 45 years of industrial work keeping plants running 24 hours a day. I am in the same life mindset and realizing where we are now after all of our own life journey!! Be grateful for what you’ve achieved and your channel has been a blessing to watch. Thank you and may God’s blessings be with you

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks so much

[@clydegray9714]

The thing about doing new construction. The price is at the bottom and no room for mistakes. Weather or employee don't matter, you did it! Providing you have help,that is. Don't matter what you pay or how good you treat them or how many times you tell them this or that. You got my point. Worked in business painting finger nails to bridges. 40 plus yr. The fat lady has sung cause I'm done. Dollar ain't worth chasing. Looks like the good times are really over for good. A snowball headed straight to

[@talvalon999]

The electorate has dumbed down over the last few decades. People will actually vote for failure.

[@cockyhemi]

@@talvalon999 the electorate should only include the state legislatures when it comes to electing state senators and only includes the electors in the presidential elections. The unconstitutional ratification of the 17th Amendment started us down the path of democracy, which is nothing but a code word for socialism.

[@genesmith4019]

Not again LoL. Trump's Covid performance was a deal breaker.

[@chamberizer]

​@@genesmith4019 Fauci is a Democrat. Democrat Governors locked down their States more than Republicans & did more economic harm. Trump got Ventilators made in Record time. Trump got hospital ship to New York. Trump stopped flights from China & was call Racist for doing so. Etc.......

[@francismarion6400]

They will vote for the Tampon man.

[@danielconant749]

Hi Ken. First time I ever saw someone use a t-square on a white board. Very informative. Sometimes we just don't realize how much inflation there really is.

[@kenskarpentry]

Hahahaha thanks

[@todddunn945]

I hope your knee surgery goes well Ken. I had my right knee done at the end of February 23. For me, the recovery was pretty quick and the pain was not as bad as I expected. I was walking around the house without any aids the day after I got home. I spent one night in the hospital. The biggest change that I have noted is kneeling. I can kneel when I need to, but it isn't fun and I have to be careful not to sit back when I am on my knees. The surgical leg really doesn't like that.

[@AdaywithJoe]

You said it best in the beginning of this video. "You could have charged more for the plywood you had stocked in your building." Guess what? Not everyone is honest like you. Just last week, I was in LOWES, and the imported employee who pretend to not speak any English tried to charge me $13.97 for standard #2 spruce 2x4x8 . I had about 50 of them. What should of been about a $200 tally was about $700. I looked at the cashier and said today's not your first day on the job? I've seen you before. 2 days earlier I was in and purchase the same and the price was typical $3.50 2x4x8 anyway I said a few things I can't add here and looked for the manager "another imported person who claims their English no to goo.." I said this is America I'm an American your job exists because of people like me, so this jabrone here says the boards are $13...he and she tried to show the menu from the lowes cashier monitor screen and wanted me to choose which boards they were? I looked at the screen, all were not the material I was purchasing.. long story short because when people like this want to jerk my chain, I start taking them for the ride. Because now, I'm holding up the line and making a big deal out of it. Just like everyone else in line I spend on average about $75-80 thousand dollars every 1/4 year at Lowes, and this time, they lost a customer. Keep in mind that every place else is worse, like building suppliers, so I stay clear of them. Now I just have to drive a bit further and there is new management at another store that I found inside information from a worker who was transferred because of the nonsense in that store. But it's price gouging here in florida. A local supplier tried to charge me $20 for a bag of Portland! They lose. See, the south Florida market has an influx of imported people who work under some contractors license and they just charge them in turn charging customers. And I believe there is a racism going on too. Because you can see the person in front of you who's imported go smoothly. anyone who reads this "the imported person " started it. But I will defend myself. How it ended up was, I said these are standard 2x4x8#2 spruce studs and they can't be more than $3-3.50 so today's your first day on the job it's 2pm, you've been selling 2x4s all day for $13 each? Sounds like we need to call the governor office and Lowes directly and let's see if you have any extra money in your pocket. The other is that, where the cashier charges you more and then takes the cash from the register and pockets the money giving herself a raise. Now, when I go in a store, I hit the service desk first and item numbers and price before I go further into the store. Good luck with your retirement 👍

[@kenskarpentry]

WoW

[@sofjanmustopoh7232]

Thank you for the presentation. In the 90’s I started out a backyard shed builder . Money was not bad . Until I shot a staple into my wrists. Slowly I went back to school and become a pharmacist. Still love wood working and building and end up with several bank foreclosure houses . In the covid time there were lots of free time so we updated several house and by golly the prices are crazy . I grew older , weaker and have bad knees and back . But also grew wiser knowing money don’t grow on trees and you can’t be spending like a drunken politician and not sunk the country . Great to chance upon your channel . Immigrated into this great country in 89 and love this country to death . Hope you have speedy recovery on your knee replacement

[@eastcoastcabinfever]

Bob Ross of economy charts 🤠👏👏👏👍👍

[@kenskarpentry]

Hahahaha thanks

[@lunhil12]

The economy is doing great, for the rich. It's public knowledge that on earnings calls the corporations are happy keeping prices high because people are still buying and they're not getting enough pushback to lower prices to where they should be.

[@user-roadwander]

What’s rich? Depends on what part of the country you live in. With a modest house paid off and no car payments I can make it on fast food wages.

[@timhanson2080]

Are you talking rich like Joe Biden or All politicians.

[@lunhil12]

@@timhanson2080 I don't see Joe selling $100,000 watches or $300 sneakers so maybe you can explain your question better.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

If you’re making $100,000 or more family income and you don’t have any debt, not raising kids and grandkids, living within your means, not trying to show off in town in the lifted four-wheel-drive $90,000 piece of junk truck, you’re doing just fine.

[@TheGardenerNorth]

Ken, I'm very happy that you're enjoying retirement. I've definitely enjoyed your garage building videos and your great outlook on life. As with most in the comments, I still enjoy your videos, especially since I'm retired as well. God bless.

[@timdiemer2017]

Happy Thanksgiving from Canada! I feel like since Covid, we are getting gouged by greed!

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks you too

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

We’ve been getting gouged by greed since 1870.

[@donaldross1077]

The retired mechanic at 68 years old. During later years I managed to destroy both shoulder rotator cuff's beyond repair. Being to stubborn to get help I pushed for the finish line of 65 years old. Anything using my arms overhead is painful. My right knee is also very bad. Since February 2021 I had Covid, kidney stones, heart attack, shoulder surgery, wrist and elbow surgery. I am not going to let things stop me. I have lost between 35 to 40 lbs and need to lose about 30 more. I have managed to do minor wood projects since I retired and that cost was way too much. Two out storage buildings and patio canopy. My Social Security check is not going very far. I am currently painting my house for the third time. $50 for a can of paint is crazy also. My house is getting a lot of upgrades and repairs as funds are available. I can do more now that the temperatures have dropped. I am like you I do not like sitting around doing nothing. Take it easy with that knee. Keep me filled in to your progress. God Bless and heal you my friend. The other "Older guy". Don

[@kenskarpentry]

Wow sounds like your body has been through the wringer!

[@donaldross1077]

@@kenskarpentry It has. I tried being shop Forman one time. I am a hands on kind of guy. A friend asked me how I put the storage building together? I used a boat winch to lift walls and roofs. It worked. Enjoy your videos. I know you are going to be out of commission after knee surgery, I am praying for a speedy recovery.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

$70/gallon for the best paint.

[@johncornell3665]

Great economic update. Prices were crazy during Covid and after. Im a shipper/receiver at a local lumber yard and we were buying the bare minimum during those high prices. Things are better now but still high, but people were still building houses, garages,decks,fences. Thank goodness they were! Thanks Ken

[@kenskarpentry]

Cool thanks for watching

[@robertjagger3513]

⁠@@colreb7149 Well, food prices as a % of wages are lower than they were in 2019. So it takes less working hours to buy the same groceries than in 2019. These are averages of National wages and of national grocery prices. Of course, your personal situation could certainly be different. One more personal example: my 401K has more than doubled since 2019 with adding anything to it including my required minimum annual withdrawal.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

@@colreb7149 the rich guys are getting richer thanks to their war mongering and meddling in 750+ countries around the world. The stock market is great. Unfortunately I don’t have enough in there to make a big difference.

[@jamesmorton7881]

Ken, I have been doing Yoga for 25 years now, got me through all major injuries. Rotatory cuff, popped disk, knee joint, hip arthritis. Worth a try. Women in tights. Helps with ALL mobility. ❤❤. 72 years old, retired Electronic Engr.

[@billk8780]

Ken, Good luck & fast recoveries on the TKR's. My dad had both done and recovered fairly quickly. It can be painful, but he reminded me "no pain, no gain". You'll be glad you did when on the other side of them.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks I appreciate it

[@richardroyles1423]

Kick back and relax you’ve earned it. God bless.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thank you, I will

[@vnguyen9327]

You are Good man. Thank you for all of your KZbin.

[@bobheitz730]

7/16 osb has gone from $ 10.20 a sheet four months ago to 16.50/18.50 a sheet currently. With the recent Hurricanes I am sure it will go up more.

[@kenskarpentry]

Ouch!

[@dhache1195]

Hurricane is time for "opportunism" and momentum greed

[@christaft3506]

Ken thank you for your time and your Insight I know all these much appreciated

[@kenskarpentry]

You bet

[@normanehrstein6088]

Good day Ken, I have not commented back to you for a long time. But I am still here at 85yrs OLD, I have had both knees replaced first in 2020 second in 2021.I will tell you the one thing that will help you the most is exercise before surgery the stronger you and your legs are the easier your recovery will be. Knee replacement is much easier the back then you be very happy when it's done. My 83yr OLD brother is doing his in November also. Good luck and be Happy! Stormn Norman

[@kenskarpentry]

Hey good to hear from you

[@robertoconnell8941]

Good basic lesson on price history in the construction industry. Really illustrates the effect the pandemic had on our economy.

[@jwall62]

And the war on energy

[@mikeh1242]

I had to go old school and put signs up at intersections, mail postcards, put ads in the paper and put door hangers on doors in the richest county in the country. Work is still slow, this shows you what is happening all over the United States.

[@MRosati5000]

Not many read paper anymore..

[@sterlingtechnologiesinc.333]

Thank you Ken. I wish you great success with your upcoming knee surgeries improving your quality of life as you navigate through the retirement years with Sandy.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@dougtravins9624]

The 'pandemic' did have a lot to do with it, but when we reversed our domestic energy policies and started buying energy products from sources outside of the USA, the wheels came off of the economy. That's why we need to be very careful of who we trust to make those and other policies. Thus the huge spikes on your chart around 2020-2021.

[@NEKingdom241]

Be realistic, we never, ever, stopped buying energy products from sources outside the USA whether it be petroleum or electricity

[@dougtravins9624]

@@NEKingdom241 So true. But we were on a path to energy independence once.

[@NEKingdom241]

@@dougtravins9624 So buying energy products from outside the USA didn't make the wheels come off our economy then, as you originally said, correct? Corporate greed is the real culprit of our economy, and their record profits prove that. We will never be energy independent without building refineries and electricity production.

[@dougtravins9624]

@@NEKingdom241 We historically depended on foreign energy, but have the potential for independence if we develop what we have available domestically. Corporate greed is a factor but 'greed' is everywhere beyond corporations that we have no control over. Too complex to unpack here. Thanks.

[@jimthumerzs2301]

The commodities market is global. US oil and gas production is at record levels. The US can be "energy independent" when the price of foreign oil is higher than the production costs of the domestic producers - but you would be paying a higher price for it. Is that what you really want? "Drill baby drill?" Existing leases are unused and wells capped if domestic producers prices are higher than the global competition. The only way prices would drop dramatically world-wide would be for something to cause demand to drop dramatically as it did because of the pandemic.

[@DavidRobinson-mx6cl]

Great information , thanks for sharing !!!!! 😊🙏👍❤️

[@tehammel]

Ken...I'm older. Will be 75 in 2 months. Retired 5 years ago after 46 years in engineering. Saved for the 401k, have a pension (unheard of these days) and social security. So we are ok financially. I love retirement and stay so busy all the time. I have many projects and interests. This is important for happiness in retirement for me. What are my interests? Restoring a british sports car (TR4), woodworking and speaker building, piano playing - I play once a month at a retirement home. All home maintenance, etc. Bicycling - and I did upgrade to an e-bike which does not have a throttle but is really nice! One of my "jokes" is that I always have a list...because I don't want to be listless!! I really enjoy every one of your videos!!!

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha. Nice comment

[@dmark6699]

They told me to dig a little bit deeper but no more money. One thing you learn about retirement the bills grow but the income stays the same.

[@kenskarpentry]

Right

[@bobschallalcs584]

we getting a 2.5%SS increase but our bills have gone up 38%

[@kenskarpentry]

Ouch

[@dhache1195]

August 2024, global USA inflation was at 2,5 percent and going lower. Higher prices= look at % profit/margin increase of big corporations versus % of inflation this is where come from the real increases

[@bobschallalcs584]

@@dhache1195 question if you were at the grocery and you paying $1 for a product and now you are paying $1.59 that is a 37.1% or add on or a 1.59 multiplier /add on - you need to do the math and not listen to the slanted media they can not report the truth much less do the math look at product across the board and see how much it use to cost now DO THE MATH! please and think for yourself

[@alab3657]

@@dhache1195. Tell us you don't know what "corp profits" mean by telling us you don't know what corp profits mean.

[@dhache1195]

​@alab3657 Tell us why some sawmill mills are closing right now because lumber prices are too low to make a profit

[@sofjanmustopoh7232]

Great presentation

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@ClimbToGlory10thMntn]

Great review, Ken. The mountains in the background also served as a metaphor for the ups and downs of life and the struggles of transitioning through an unstable economy. Still hoping for those fireside chats during your knee recovery period. We all need our Ken time😊😊 .

[@kenskarpentry]

Hahahaha thanks I appreciate it

[@dirtyroofer3678]

Thanks on the economic up date . My roofing supplier has not dropped prices at all but still have manufacturers increases of 2 to 3 percent a month . Trim coil i was shock at last month 155 for white . Thankfully im slowing down with age . Still sitting on 8.50 cdx about 40 sheets. By me a 4800 roof in 18 is 10500 now.

[@pj7484]

I sure miss seeing You, Chad & Dan working together. Hope all is well for you all!

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@estherstephens1858]

Wow, this just makes me realize how long I’ve been subscribed to your channel. I was here with you as you did the price charts for material and cost of garages during covid. Your work has always been amazing not to mention your work ethic. Viewers from other States would oftentimes make comments asking if you travel for work (to their State) building garages. 😂😂

[@kenskarpentry]

Yes time sure flies

[@LawrenceWinterburn]

Ken-- that map of everything but lumber products can be tracked to container costs... they went from 4000- 35000 from China. Lumber was demand... and now stays elevated due to mill curtailments

[@richardknowles8035]

Wood prices are no joke, rebuilding my privacy fence, wood is $230 each 16’ section.

[@kenskarpentry]

Wow

[@highvel-kq2to]

Half a million dollars in cash to build a modest house. Wont buy much and cant find a builder that wants to work. Hell of a deal.

[@rdyardie]

Thank you for showing us what is happening to the American economy. Prices in Canada have been steadily increasing. Building materials are affecting housing prices. Politics in Canada show that we are having an election likely sooner than later. With our parliamentary system, our election dates are not fixed. It depends on our prime minister. We will have an election within the next year.

[@cariboocustomwoodworks6528]

And thankfully so. Trudeau needed to go three years ago.

[@warrenlucier5796]

Yeah, need to remove the Elites from power and put it back in the hands of We The People.

[@TheDirtyBirchTrails]

Good luck with your knee surgery. I've had both my knees replaced and the pain is incredible for the first 6 months. Actually took almost exactly 1 year for the pain to stop. My left knee has no more pain, but has to be redone because it turned out a little crooked. And the right still gives some pain once in a while. Overall, the knees are more stable and with less pain.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks glad yours is doing OK

[@pjdambra]

Biggest factors in all the prices come down to three major factors. COVID was the biggest one. Next is competition that has really shrunk over the past few decades. Which brings us to the last one, Corporate Greed. Profits have been though the roof. Supply and demand no longer follow the same rules of the past because of the lack of competition. With all the injection of government money during the Covid years the money was out there for the taking.

[@AFO1]

You are 100% right. We the people have this amazing tool called the internet where we can reach literally millions of people by tomorrow. We need to get the word out to start a targeted boycot of these greedy corporations and drive these prices back down. It can be done. Enough is enough.

[@user-roadwander]

@@AFO1 Everyone needs food, automobiles, healthcare, etc. What are you going to boycott?

[@AFO1]

@@user-roadwander Look for "Targeted boycott" in my comment. You can buy gas, just not Exxon Mobil or Shell for 6 months. You can buy food, just not at Albertson's or Walmart. Target one specific chain/store for X amount of time. Cut their profit margin for one fiscal quarter and watch how fast prices drop everywhere or else watch them squirm when they try to explain a 25% drop in the next shareholders meeting.. A coordinated targeted movement will work.

[@alab3657]

@@AFO1. Lol. So I guess when gas prices skyrocket then corporations shouldn't raise their prices? They should take the hit? Just like people who don't know the deference between corp profits and what the corp has in liquidity.

[@rileypup5959]

@@AFO1No, prices skyrocketed starting in February 2021.. due to energy pricing spiking. This was all initiated by government executive action in late January 2021 that cancelled many oil and gas leasing agreements. The US was previously exporting energy, now oil and gas was heavily needed as imports. In March of 2021, pricing accelerated due to the 1.7Trillion dollar American Rescue PLan that was passed on 100% party line. Pricing and inflation further spiked in August 2022 due to the Inflation Reduction Act. This was also passed on party line with the Vice President breaking the tie in the Senate. High costs of products is not because of so called corporate greed but because of government action at the Executive and legislature levels.

[@randyrejer4219]

It is strange when we are young we don’t think about the extra work we would do now that I am retired I wondered how and why I did it. Retirement is grand.

[@kenskarpentry]

Right definitely

[@fox156]

Given that lumber accounts for about 4% of the cost of a new home i think some other things are worth mentioning. Mainly demographic trends, the U.S. birth rate is below replacement rate, good employees are nearly impossible to find. Without immigration our country will have zero residents eventually. And the natural diaasters just keep coming one after another.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

Good employees are hard to find? Really? Good men of integrity, accountability and humanity are hard to find. Good companies to work for a hard to find, good benefits are hard to find and good pay is hard to find.

[@judyrice3883]

Very good video. Helps up realize more things. Please keep the videos coming

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@ExactlyLikeVermont]

Ken...I used to buy lumber at Heath Lumber...but they are no longer around (so many good folks and family outfits aren't around anymore...no blame, I understand...but your comments on the economy are the reasons why...thank goodness for Pick and Shovel, and Johnson Farm and Yard...still hangin' on! Great stores). Always enjoy your videos...thanks for your efforts. Fortes in Fide.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@toddpacheco4748]

Ken,another excellent piece of video Kaiya sounded like a unruly teenager when the teacher was trying to explain things to the class about economics 👍😮😊❤

[@kenskarpentry]

Glad you enjoyed it. You’re right

[@simonstone3336]

Great work mate, 🇦🇺 👍 thanks mate 👍

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks 👍

[@lynnplestid2711]

Looks like all the dips are right around election times.

[@carrieemery7191]

big fan of eco report Ken you could say thats my jam and your reports are the best wonder if politics play any part in the numbers well we have great test coming up Shortley and will know for sure stay tuned

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@elleryparsons2433]

We have To Do What We Have To Do to the Best We Can With what We can.

[@kenskarpentry]

Yes for sure

[@charlescummings1484]

It's going South, been inflated for a long time.

[@krenwregget7667]

Hi Ken, thanks for these videos, I always find them interesting.

[@kenskarpentry]

Glad you like them!

[@3035cr]

I did enjoy that. Thanks Ken. I'd like you to graph your labor charges over that period. I bet that would be an interesting contrast!

[@thehomesteadpastor1234]

One of the best common sense Videos on where the Economy is at. Thank you. Who you vote for matters. Just remember. We are not voting for a Pastor or Priest. We are voting for a Leader of a country. Something has to change in our economy. But that being said At the End of the day we must trust the Lord.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks amen

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha

[@thehomesteadpastor1234]

@@colreb7149 Lol. True Statement

[@user-roadwander]

@@colreb7149 OMG. Best comment ever.IMHO

[@tw3235]

LOL lord!

[@Hosty_Tim]

Gooooooood morning, Ken!

[@kenskarpentry]

Good morning Tim

[@davidrichards2113]

Printing $6T didn’t help and next yr sounds worse!

[@rupe53]

You and I are almost exactly the same age and roughly in the same spot within life. The economy is taking a bite out of my income too but so far, it's doable without any suffering. I suppose not everyone can say that they have saved for a rainy day and are content with their position in life in semi-retirement. BTW, your economic review reminds me that there will be some sticker shock when estimates start rolling in for a boiler replacement at the local church. I was in that business some 30 years ago so have a grasp of what needs to be done but I suspect the prices will be substantially higher than what I recall!

[@kenskarpentry]

I think you’re right

[@longhorn9541]

Just amazing how terrible they made it .thank you brother.

[@tw3235]

LOL Working at McD is a bitch.

[@RodeoRides]

Apparently voting has consequences.

[@DarthVader1977]

Rigged elections have consequences.

[@BrianDavis-b6b]

It sure looks you're correct !

[@throngcleaver]

And nowadays, cheating doesn't have consequences.

[@DarthVader1977]

@@throngcleaver I wonder how long your comment will last, they already "disappeared" mine.

[@throngcleaver]

@DarthVader1977 I'm used to that happening now, but it still pissesmeoff when they do that. At least we know that we're on the correct side of things. 😁

[@kathycrook1913]

Good morning!

[@kenskarpentry]

Good morning to you

[@HaroldMalaby]

March 2020 PANDEMIC - COVID-19 Let's be real and take the chart to reflect what was going on.

[@jimjohnson4084]

Ken good to see you again

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@tominglis6308]

I think the phrase you were looking for is "chronologically gifted"

[@kenskarpentry]

Hahahaha

[@StoneKathryn]

I like the brown color for the lumber prices Ken! Plywood became red. That works. I thought it was $88/sheet at the worst. It did about the same graph. Steel was blue? Kind of the same pattern. All of it is staying up in price too. Concrete breaks the graph trend. Was it orange? Gasoline was a weird one and was that black? Food has been terrible week to week everything goes up! Clothing I only get at thrift stores. The thrift store prices are going up now! I'm glad you are starting to grow stuff and have chickens to lay your own eggs! I know it has to be very hard to live on a fixed income. The cost of living (COL) increases never match what is really going on. I'm very much enjoying the Vardo build. Thanks for this video Ken!

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks I appreciate it

[@scottrogers2831]

Happy Fall Sir.

[@kenskarpentry]

You too thanks

[@jimthumerzs2301]

One cannot dismiss the reality of the cause of the spike in pricing since 2020. I am not happy with either "choice" in this year's presidential election, but it's simple economics of supply and demand which made costs of almost everything skyrocket. It wasn't politics - it was the pandemic.

[@southothehighway]

It was also a shift in what was demanded.

[@John-c4r1o]

Fact is the pandemic simply a timing difference, the cost of oil etc is at prepandemic levels. What has created sustained inflation is massive deficit spending funded with an expansion in M2. I'd agree is either political party would likely have had the same policies, but all things equal deflation with prices dropping back would have occurred after the pandemic without massive money and deficit generation.

[@professor767]

Nice chart Ken. The sharp rise around 2020 seems to coincide with the Covid pandemic. That really jolted how everything was made, transported, etc. Some will surely politicize it, but I think Covid changed the cost model for a lot of products and services forever. I'm enjoying my retirement also, but sometimes lamenting the physical things I can't do anymore. This list gets longer every day.😅 Like someone said, I applied for immortality, but was turned down. Trying to enjoy my remaining time. I enjoy your channel very much.🙏🏾👍🏾

[@brianandrews7099]

I believe there are many factors responsible for the current economic conditions. Number one is greed; much of which was brought on by the careless spending of consumers on big ticket items during the heart of the pandemic; much like the “Great Recession” was partially brought on by a president who told Americans to “go out and spend” post 9/11. People have much more control of prices than they think, especially on nonessential goods and services. If it is too expensive, just refuse to pay it and do without it … and watch prices fall! Unfortunately, we live in a society and culture where people simply will not chose to do without unless they are forced to do so. The dropping of the gold standard some 50 years ago has just added to an over reliance on credit and business counting on everyone staying in significant debt for their lifetime. Personally, I feel like it really doesn’t make much difference on who is the President because most of these economic decisions that were made that set up these conditions were done a long time ago by people that are dead now. It can take a decade or more for the effects of those political economic decisions to fully impact the average American and, in the end, you are just voting for the individual or party that you like and who tell you best what you want to hear. You don’t know, and may not know for years, what the effects of their actions on your life will be. Overpopulation is another issue. The economic concept of “the higher the supply, the lower the value” is true of population as well as goods. We have more people than ever pulling from the sources of supply, which is naturally going to raise demand; which raises prices and eventually creates shortages. Anything that shuts off or interfere with the supply stream without immediately opening up another, better supply source to replaces it will only make matters worse and drive up demand and prices (example Trump tariffs put in place prior to be fully ready and capable to replace foreign made goods in-country before they are implemented). My personal belief is, if nothing significant changes very soon, the wealth and abundance that we have come to know (if not expect) over that last 100 year will come to a close and the life will become more and more centered around meetings basic needs than attaining what we have come to know as the typical “American dream” of upward mobility, wealth, and life enhancements. I am not at all sure that, if this does come to pass, it won’t have been by design?

[@DanaFoster-vl5os]

Great job

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@boblazar1443]

Since 2010 to 2024, the national debt has gone from 9 to 31 trillion. And there are no signs it's slowing down. Purchasing power is being destroyed by govt overspending

[@mapache_del_sur]

No more tax cuts to billionaires. Trump is responsible for over 20% of the debt he created in 4 years. 7.8 trillion

[@ronaldlindeman6136]

The last Federal Budget that was balanced was in 1999/2000. Bill Clinton raised taxes in 1993, that that is what got the budget balanced. Republicans said increasing taxes was going to destroy the economy, but Republicans were wrong. The Clinton tax increases meant there was more money coming into the Federal Government and then the value of the dollar came down, and manufacturing increased. The United States manufacturing could compete again and jobs numbers increased. Then George W. Bush decreased taxes at the same time Bush increased the budget with 2 wars. Then trump also cut taxes. The way to bring manufacturing back to the US is to increase taxes, and reduce the Budget Deficit and get a weaker dollar and manufacturing can compete again.

[@WL-mt4mv]

After the pandemic lumber prices went way up along with the lumber mill profits. I read somewhere their profit margins were up like 400 percent. Inflation has hit us hard but that is the same story around the rest of the world. If you look at Europe, Canada you will see that they have had about the same inflation as the US except for Turkey who was running between 60% to 80% inflation.

[@willysnowman]

Trump doubled what Biden AGAIN! The trade deficit also increased under President Bonezpurz.

[@ricksanchez7459]

The final act is always to raid the treasury

[@benclaase8181]

Hi Ken , thanks for posting . Now I am really scared, am working on a garage build project and have the design almost ready. Afraid of going out there getting estimate some. We’re in the NY area so higher labor cost also. And advice on decent garage doors? 12x7 , (were planning to build a 1 1/2 x 2 car garage 16x32 with loft storage… $$?) Any advice is appreciated.

[@cliftonwilder]

Hello Ken. You and I are both the same age and I have made comments before. I am still a contractor and working. However my company merged with another larger one in May. That was supposed to cut down on my work hours and responsibilities, but it didn't (that would be another story in itself). I have always enjoyed your building videos, since I am still building on my own property for myself. In January I lost all the feeling and strength in my arms, hands and fingers. In April I had multiple discs replaced in my neck, and, I am slowly getting back to normal.

[@kenskarpentry]

WoW. Hope you’re doing better

[@cliftonwilder]

@@kenskarpentry Thanks Ken. Yes, it is getting better. My hands sometimes get numb and my shoulders get sore -- all while sleeping. But I am back to doing construction on our large free standing deck and 100ft long retaining wall.

[@davegeorge7094]

Very interesting!

[@kenskarpentry]

Glad you think so!

[@dwaynesanders2095]

Thanks

[@kenskarpentry]

Welcome

[@kerrylewis2581]

New and used pickup truck prices upset me. 😠

[@kenskarpentry]

Right

[@scott6809]

Ken I got two quotes for28x30 garage with 12' walls, 4/12 roof pitch, 5" concreter floor @3500PSI with one section of floor 8" for 2 post lift and 4' frost walls. Both quotes came in at $90,000. That is with no driveway and building just being weather tight. I ended up going with the same set up but with 26'x30' and 10' walls all tubular steel for $45,000. In 2002 I had my house built 4 bedroom 2 bath colonial with attached 2 car for $256,000 so $90K for just a garage was tough to process in my head 😂..

[@kenskarpentry]

Right

[@lmars5933]

Good morning my friend wow very interesting graf we as contractor really notice it more ,and hard to adjust labor cost but we must most people say well in 1960 I built that garage for 1,500.00 dollars and now its 30,000.00 lol ...even on remodeling people can't believe the cost but it's real ,what do we do Staty competitive ..well must go to work to pay your social security lol 🐊🌴😎

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha get going. Overtime!

[@johndorazio3759]

There's no work now

[@josephpuchel6497]

Hey Ken nice tutorial Here in Jersey that garage 25’x24’ is $40k I was collecting Lionel trains

[@kenskarpentry]

Very nice!

[@AD-hr4is]

Hi Ken. I'm at that stage of my life also. being a machinist for 20 years for the same company and a jack of all trade master of none. I suffered a work injuries and now unable to work more than 2 to 3 hours a day. It's quite a blow to my ego and self estim to feel useless most of the time. I have a question for you if you have time. On a second floor build, the perimeter rim joist 2x10, how do you insulate that with pink insulation and plastic vapor barrier. Do you wrap the plastic top to bottom or just from the bottom up to the floor sheating? Any help would be appreciated. I looked online and can't find specific on second floor rim joist insulation, just basement rim joist insulation.

[@kenskarpentry]

It would the same as the first floor rim board

[@AD-hr4is]

Ok thank you for the reply Ken. Enjoying your videos on both channels. ​@kenskarpentry

[@rickb8808]

We are booming in renovation inquiries. People are getting roofs, windows, doors/storm doors. Must be widespread as window orders are 12+ weeks. Seems people want to get the work done before the election. Uncertainty seems to be a factor. Building material is still high. With the hurricane disaster things are only going to get worse. We have maybe 6 weeks left on the season. Haven't been in this position for a couple years where I have to schedule for spring. We have 3 roofs left and I am contemplating whether to do winter installs on doors & windows. I don't like to do that. Plus I have the snow clearing business that keeps us afloat in the winter.

[@kenskarpentry]

Nice glad you’re busy

[@EverydayProjects]

I saw a Bigfoot looking in the window while you were at the graph!!

[@kenskarpentry]

Hahahaha

[@lincolnp]

Yup $8-9 a 2 by 4 was crazy in 2022. This was in Canada

[@pointreyes4272]

Menards has 5/8" plywood for $22.25 today. That sure seems very reasonable to me compared to so many other things in life (about the same price as a 30 pack of coke). Think about the trees, time, material, labor, shipping, profit, etc. that goes into a sheet of plywood. Thanks for the update Ken.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks

[@freshtwink]

I realize this isn't Forbes, but we need more definition on the y access that corresponds to $ amounts. Then different colored markers for specific, commondity items. Wayback machine may or may not help pinpoints moment-in-time prices.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks. Definitely not Forbes

[@WeekendHandymen]

So frustrating.

[@MrSprintcat]

Perfect 😊

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks 😄

[@PinkFZeppelin]

FYI you can provide fixed cost for cheap by managing some lumber futures contracts.

[@darrenhere5856]

good to see you sir. haven't seen you in my feed for awhile. i miss your ethics and sincerity.

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks so much

[@talltimbot]

Private sector producers vs all others

[@tomjernigan3010]

Ken, did you build the chair? If so did you video it? What is the angle of the back? Thank you Sir.

[@kenskarpentry]

I did videos about it. The back was 5 degrees

[@tomjernigan3010]

@@kenskarpentry thank you Sir

[@tomjernigan3010]

@@kenskarpentry I found it, thank you Sir.

[@TheVigilantEye77]

Have the Depression Express running in the background

[@gabbyhaze5857]

The value of my 401K has increased by 33% since this time last year. I also got an unexpected $500.00 monthly increase in my Teamster pension, because the pension fund investments have performed so well. My electricity bill and other utilities have remained stable, rates have not increased. The value of my home and real estate increases a lot every year, so my tax bill goes up accordingly. I am a retired blue-collar worker who never dreamed that I would have this financial comfort in my later years. What a great country we have!

[@gabbyhaze5857]

@@colreb7149 How would YOU like it if the sky fell on YOUR head? Vote blue for a safe and sane world!

[@jayleeper1512]

That is why we need to unionize America. Since retiring in 2018, my retirement nest egg has lost 30% of it’s value and I am experiencing a word of hurt.

[@dadmezz4024]

Congratulations on your retirement Ken! Love your energy and know-how. Watch out though for that damn magnet in your chair...it tries to keep us all in it.

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha I will

[@tomzweifel7060]

Do you still get a contactor discount on material or tools.

[@kenskarpentry]

Yes 5 percent. Just about anyone can get that

[@salvadorsepulveda6415]

You have a lot of knowledge to teach us, so when your knee surgery is complete, instructional videos using past video would be nice. I helped a friend build an 8x8 shed base platform, and in our 70s, we can't bend down a lot besides it being in the hot 90s in Southern California. We used your stand-up method with saw horses. Old guys still rule, 😅

[@kenskarpentry]

Hahahaha nice

[@albing1397]

Retirement - every day is Saturday. Keep active, though. Love your videos.

[@kenskarpentry]

Haha thanks

[@shirleyannconfer9651]

I retired early in 2014, came back in 2016, and retired again in 2018. After a four year fight, I finally got my disability in 2022. Even with that and my retirement, I still have a part time job that tries to make ends meet. Groceries and gasoline have both risen steadily in the past four years, so I’ve had to cut down on both and buy cheaper when I can. I’m praying that things get better after the election.

[@richardross7219]

Congrats on retirement. Its a great place to be. I was forced to retire at 59 and it turned out to be a blessing. Nice train setup. I've still got my Lionels from the 1950s but don't have a place to set them up. I'm afraid that we are going to see something like the late 1920s. One of my grandfathers was an architect and the other a carpenter. After the crash, the architect sold life insurance and the carpenter was a caretaker on an ocean front estate. It got them and their families through the great depression. Good video. Good Luck, Rick

[@kenskarpentry]

Thanks so much