Posts

Showing posts from July, 2023

Living and Working Through Hyperinflation: A Tale from Lebanon

Image
   Living and Working Through Hyperinflation: A Tale from Lebanon Despite the harsh realities of hyperinflation, Beirut's pulsating nightlife and constant influx of international visitors keep the city's urban landscape alive. An unparalleled economic crisis is intertwined with a spirit of resilience, adaptation, and survival in this city and throughout Lebanon. Picture an average Beiruti worker in the year 2023. They are paid partially in US dollars and partially in Lebanese pounds. The USD component maintains its value despite rising inflation, providing a lifeline amid an otherwise turbulent sea of economic instability. The LBP part, however, presents a different picture. With each passing day, they have less purchasing power thanks to their LBP. Food, shelter, and transportation are all experiencing price increases. The difficulty of making ends meet increases, despite the fact that some of the wages are paid in US dollars. But in the city of Beirut, a very different situat

Rising Wages: A Mirage During Economic Challenges

Image
  Rising Wages: A Mirage  During Economic  Challenges Author:  YOUSSEF.E.CHAMOUN Created:  7/12/2023 Tags:  #wage increase #rat race #financial freedom #inflation #interest rates According to recent studies, the average worker's pay has increased by 5% in the last year. At first glance, this would seem like a good thing, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that increasing salaries do not always equate to better financial well-being. The idea of a rising income might just be a false mirage in the face of rising interest rates and inflation. This article emphasizes the importance of people taking charge of their financial destiny while illuminating the complexity around wage increases. The False Promise of Wage Growth While a 5% pay raise could appear alluring, it is important to consider the larger economic environment. The purchasing power of these higher wages may be reduced by rising interest rates and inflation. Particularly, inflation might surpass wage growth, w