[valencourt]

Revulsion at parties? Is that a bit too strong a word, or have you had some bad experiences?

Also, have you considered getting into stocks? There are realistic hedges against inflation available.

[snowwrestler]

A broad stock index fund is a great inflation hedge, but a lot of people don't like the volatility. The most conservative hedge against inflation is probably TIPS.

http://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/products/prod_tips_glanc...

You're guaranteed not to lose any money to inflation. But, you probably won't make any money either.