The 1st week of 2026 has been a huge disaster as I have received bills for insurances that reflect astronomical cost increases. Not only health insurance but homeowner and auto insurance have been affected.
I spent about a half hour on the phone with my homeowner insurance carrier yesterday morning trying to understand the 35% increase in my homeowner's insurance over 2025. Part of the increase was the result of the Palisades fire that occurred a year ago... about 40 miles from me. But an equal part of that increase was man made by you know who. It seems the tariffs he loves have dramatically impacted the cost of construction materials.
It is basic economics. My home did not increase in value (still a small sized CA home) but the materials to replace that structure did... in direct response to his tariffs and puerile antics.
Being retired and on a fixed income, any significant increase in health insurance costs and homeowners, insurance costs make for a strenuous monthly budget juggling act.
Shame on you who voted for him as you bear full responsibility. My only consolation is that you who voted for old what is his name are in the same boat. Over the past 12 months, many hard-working Americans have become members of MAPA... Make America Poor Again.
From the Internet...
What's Driving the 2026 Material Cost Crisis?
The reality: Multiple forces are colliding to create perfect storm pricing.
The Key Cost Drivers
Tariffs and Trade Policy
15-25% price increases on imported steel and aluminum
Supply chain rerouting adding 10-15% in transportation costs
Unpredictable policy changes creating pricing volatility
Labor and Production Pressures
Wages up 8-12% annually due to persistent shortages
Energy costs increasing concrete and manufacturing expenses
Inflation carryover from 2024-2025 continuing to impact pricing
High-Risk Materials in 2026:
Steel: +15-35% (tariff impacts)
Lumber: +20-40% (supply constraints, wildfire impacts)
Concrete: +10-25% (energy costs)
Copper: +25-50% (global demand from data centers)
Them that know can make things go. Come the mid-terms those thrust into MAPA will get their chance to change the narrative.
73's
Pete N6QW
