The recent Forbes list has some of the most expensive items, whose prices have increased from last year by an average 6%, more than double the CPI (standard measure of inflation). A few of the biggest rises are:

1. Ridgewells Diner (Bethesda, MD) serving 40 people: Now costs $9795 - up 31% from last year.
2. Lenox, Williamsburg Shell pattern silverware, 4-piece place setting for 12: Now costs $6960 - up 28% from last year.
3. Natural Russian sable coat, Maximilian at Bloomingdale’s: Now costs $225,000 - up 18% from last year.
4. Nautor’s Swan 70 sailing yacht: Now costs $4,771,550 - up 17% from last year.
5. American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Now costs $17,000 - up 17% from last year.
6. Men’s black calf wingtip shoes, custom-mad, John Lobb, London: Now costs $4566 - up 11% from last year.

Not that I am worried about such a list (hey, if I want a boat ride, I’ll get myself a $20 ticket to one of those “sea screamers” down in Florida, rather than pay $4,771,550 for a yacht).

Do you think the ultra-rich will zip up their money-belt now? Hardly so - their earning grows at way more than 6%, whereas our salary barely keeps up with inflation.