Reply #10: Many reasons, IMO

[KayLaw]

Inflation is killing us, no matter how it's spun away. It seems every week something is going up in price. Our power company added a big fuel charge to our bill and are getting another big rate increase this month. Gas is much higher than in the past as are local taxes. Groceries are higher and our insurance company raised rates because, as they stated, inflation has driven up the costs of building materials. I think the P.O. is raising their rates this week.

Like someone said, everyone on TV appears to be rich, a point made in The Tightwad Gazetted, but lately, I think it's been the fuel prices and the wealth effect of the housing bubble. People believe their houses will just continue to skyrocket in value, so why bother to save the old fashioned way?