1. A Trip to the Grocery Store. The USDA forecasts a 2% to 3% hike in the cost of all foods in 2011.

2. The Cost of Gas and Heating Fuel. Some fast-and-loose talk by former Shell Oil President John Hofmeister says gas will be back to $5 a gallon this year.

3. Health Insurance and Medical Costs. Blue Shield in California said it was going to raise premiums by almost 60% and you can bet that your insurer has something similar planned.

4. The Cost of Clothing. Cotton is now 80% more expensive than it was at the start of 2010 and many manufacturers believe they have no choice but to pass it on to you.

5. Colleges and Universities. For the 2010-2011 school year, tuitions are up by almost 8% at public, four-year colleges and 4.5% at private colleges.

6. Raising Kids. Public schools are turning to parents to help them make up budget deficits.

7. Bank and Bank Card Fees. New banking laws have meant new banking fees.

Aadd dieting to the above and now I am really depressed!(Just kidding!)

Thanks! What a way to start my New Yrs!

And yet according to Social Security the cost of living hasn't gone up in several years. I think we all need their accountants. Daddy always said, "Figures lie and liars figure."

You are 100% right..as my daddy said"You hit the nail on the head"

I like that "Figures lie and liars figure." I will have to remember that. Very true.

8. Taxes, of course!
9. Quilting fabric!

Our insurance company, Blue Cross/Blue Shield did raise our insurance premiums by over $20 a week. :evil: But thanks to DH quitting his smokeless tobacco a few years ago and me being a non-smoker, we saved by getting a tobacco-free discount. That meant our premiums went up by only $6.00 per week starting this month.

And our local electric company had already doubled our electric rates ealier the year and is still asking to raise them again!! :evil: In the past year, our electric bill has more than doubled. :evil:

Another great reason for us to build our stash :thumbup: :D :thumbup:

Sherri, our electric went up too. And our propane. Seems like everything except my checks!