[cerberus]

While I don't necessarily disagree with some of the points made here, I think people tend to forget that in many areas, such as technology, we are getting more for less.

Fierce international competition and low labor costs due to open markets are fueling this effect. Additionally, due to increased efficiency, companies are becoming more efficient and creating more for less.

True, some prices such as fuel are rising due to short supply, but this is balanced by other areas where prices are remaining unusually low (take the price of a DVD player, for example).

[bruinbirdman]

"this is balanced by other areas where prices are remaining unusually low"

The standard inflation indicator for Mrs. Housewife used to be a lb. of bacon or a loaf of bread.

Today, my standard is the cost of a gig of memory (not RAM) on a PC. I remember when it was easily calculated at $50/gig.

While I do all the grocery shopping notice all prices, and take advantage of sales, food is not even considered a budget item.

yitbos