and mrs. lawson found they had a windfall from inflation. realize that inflation has been a serious problem for many people, but it really hasn't affected us too much with our house payments remaining essentially constant. the interest rate-- it was an fha loan of 5 1/4%. we're fortunate that inflation really hasn't bothered us. there were other winners. this wave of inflation coincided with the credit boom of the late sixties. consumers were urged to buy on credit. buy now before prices go up. pay later with cheaper dollars. consumers were spending money. increased demand was creating jobs. so businesses would seem to be winning, but many soon had second thoughts. business does not fare well overall during inflation. at the initial stages, some businesses think they are better off because profits seem to rise. you have a situation where your inventory cost is low. you purchased goods previously. inflation comes along and you raise prices. it looks like you get a bigger profit. suddenly costs begin to soar. you have this uncertainty. suddenl