It seems like every month the cable, phone, utility and internet companies raise their rates and increase the taxes on your bills. With escalating energy and gasoline prices, even serious conservation cannot moderate the constant rate hikes. Then there are the corollary hikes due to increased transportation costs passed on by the grocery stores, restaurants, and other service related businesses.
The cost of health care has gotten way out of control. Not only have the premiums, copays, and medication expenses increased, but the covered services have been reduced, too. That means consumers are forced to use less effective medical treatments and medications.
Lately, it seems like our shrinking paychecks do not cover our monthly expenses. We live on tight budget, but we are losing ground fast.
Employers seem to be more interested in making a large profit by downsizing, outsourcing , decreasing employee benefits, and cutting wages.