[jazzyk]

Real-estate is assets, of course.

But I think the inflation in health-care/education is caused by lack of competition.

As in - you can choose to not buy a new coat this winter, but you HAVE to buy health insurance. You HAVE to buy college education for your kid or otherwise s/he won't be able to ever start a family (working as a barista, or some such).

Also, none of these services were outsourced to cheaper location (because they can't. although a good number of people have been going abroad to get their medical degree, etc.)