If you look at government stats you would see that inflation has been less than 3% for many years. If your income isn't keeping up with the three per cent over time you will feel inflation's efect. Of course, youshould ask what and how they are measuring when they show you the stats.

The Stock Markets of the world represent the wealth and growth of various economies. A stock's value is expected to increase yearly based upon earnings- income. Every company tries to show a profit and to increase that profit every year. Thus higher prices. I know of know pleasant way to break this cycle. A recession would do it or a depression, but that is a more harmful effect than the cost of living.

as the price of gas goes up the price of everything else goes up because nearly everything has to be shipped or delivered or has components that have to be shipped or delivered.

Everyone seems to blame the rising cost of oil. While it is a major contributor, the real culprit is a lack of morality manifesting itself in GREED. Think about the last five years or so and reflect on how many things have gone up and all the fees and taxes and surcharges etc. As the middle class evaporates it will get worse. The companies are trying toplease their stockholders and even small businesse are interested in nothing but profits. it is very frightening when you come to the realization that the only thing not going up is yor paycheck. It doesn't even qualify as nickle and diming. It's now dollaring. So many are doing it you can't really realize how bad it is until you really look at all of these goveerments, businesses etc all hitting you for a buck here and two bucks there. When this amounts to hundreds of takers, I'm afraid there's not much left for yourself. Sorry so lengthy

Things go up in price along with inflation. A major factor in the pressure you are feeling is that wages have not risen accordingly. Minimum wage is staggeringly low. To save money, and keep your cost of living down: 1. Buy a house within your means. Get a rate you can confidently pay off every month, and even survive if you happen to be laid off for a few months. 2. By used cars, pay cash for them, and get ones with good gas mileage, a clean history, and a brand that is dependable. This simple step will save you thousands. New cars depreciate too fast in value, and a lease is just another nickle and dime out of your pocket every month. Buy a reliable used car, and you won't have to think about the car issue again for years. 3. Don't speed or drive recklessly. Tickets boost your insurance rates, and speed reduces your gas mileage. 4. Make a budget. It is surprising how many people neglect this simple step. By constantly assessing your expenses and assets, you can help avoid wasteful and unnecessary spending. When you know you have "some money" in your account, it is a lot easier to buy little things and not realize how you are slowly draining your account. 5. Use your credit cards for things you can afford, and save some room for emergencies. The interest on a credit card balance is a very common way people allow their savings to be slowly chipped away. You can still build a good credit history by paying your entire balance every month. 6. Invest in properly insulating and weatherstripping your home. Ask a Canadian about the plastic you put on large windows in the winter, it works miracles. If you live in a colder climate, consider an alternative source of heating, such as a wood pellet stove to reduce cost in the winter. 7. Turn off your dang lights when nobody's using them. I won't say buy CFC bulbs, I'm still pretty unconvinced, especially if you come from a colder area like I do. 8. Walk, bike or take public transportation when practicable. Good for the earth, good for your wallet. These things take a little more time, but what were you planning on doing with your day, sitting here on AB?