"I would like to also have a more realistic value to look ahead with. I am guessing about 3.5% or a little less is "reasonable."

Any opinions? "

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The future is always cloudy. Basically, a lot depends on your
own situation and habits. As folks age, their spending habits
change - and the impact of inflation can be offset by changes
in habits.

Food and energy costs have the least flexibility at the low end
yet these are typically not included in inflation analyses.

So, I am no longer certain that inflation impact is as great a
concern as many analysts claim or as many pre-retirement folks
fear. The cost of milk is critical. The cost to heat a home is
critical. If you have a lung diease, the cost of oxygen cylinders
is critical.

So, the issue becomes very individual and very personal. As such,
other folks' opinions only have an influence as a general guide -
and we are all reading the same sources, using the same formulas,
and worrying in the same avenues.

Howie52
I am worrying less as I see my kids finally get through college
and start their own lives. DW and I can survive and have enough
fun for us on very little if need be.