The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical (CPI-W) increased 0.73 percent in March 2014. To calculate the 2015 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the indices of July, August and September 2014 will be averaged and compared with the 2013 third-quarter average of 230.327. The percentage increase, if any, determines the COLA. March's index, 232.560 is up 0.97 percent from the base.
(The CPI represents purchases of food and beverages, housing, apparel, transportation, medical care, recreation, education and communication, and other goods and services. Included are various government fees, such as water charges, auto registration fees and sales and excise taxes.)
Oct. 2013 229.735 -0.3
Nov. 2013 229.133 -0.26
Dec. 2013 229.175 +0.02
Jan. 2014 230.040 +0.38
Feb. 2014 230.871 +0.36
Mar. 2014 232.560 +0.73
This is the calculation for military, military retirees, social security recipients and federal employees and retirees. Posted on page 40, June 2014 issue of NARFE magazine.
I do all the grocery shopping and I didn't witness any price reductions in Oct-Dec, but I have noticed the steep increases in the past 3 - 4 months. Prices of gasoline is also skyrocketing. Natural gas was supposed to be cheaper, but my heating bills say otherwise. Going to eat more beans and rice.
