Here's What These 15 Everyday Items Cost 30 Years Ago

Until recently, many of us gave little thought to inflation. It has averaged annual gains of about 3% over long periods, and even less in many years. Recently, though, it has topped 8%. It's a mistake to ignore inflation because it can wreak havoc on your finances over long periods -- and can leave you with less purchasing power in retirement than you thought you'd have. Imagine that 3% average annual inflation rate: It can make something that costs $100 today cost about $243 in 30 years. Yikes, right?

To help you see inflation in action -- and how growth rates can vary for various expenses -- here are 15 everyday expenses and what they cost 30 years ago, in 1992.

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