USA: Why ‘Price Stability’ Is a Myth

After more than three decades guiding clients through some of life’s biggest financial transitions, I’ve seen firsthand how the idea of ‘price stability’ can be more myth than reality—especially in real estate. In the US, when prices for one type of good rise, it often means there’s a decline elsewhere; spending patterns shift, but not everything moves in sync. For example, as technology gets cheaper and more accessible—think supercomputers in your pocket—finite resources like hotel rooms, sports tickets, or college tuition see their prices climb. This demonstrates how global dynamics and endless daily transactions shape our market, far beyond what any central bank can control. In my work with divorce, probate, and estate sales, I’ve learned that a truly steady dollar is elusive. If we ever reached it, investments currently used to hedge against inflation might instead flow into new opportunities, compressing prices in some areas and sending others higher. The key takeaway: lasting price stability simply doesn’t exist. Instead, changing prices often signal economic progress, not decline—a perspective that’s especially important for anyone navigating property decisions in our ever-evolving market.