Sure, food prices has risen, so have the costs of other items. Certainly doesn't seem as bad as the late 1970's/early 1980's in Northern Ohio. I remember inflation rates above 10%, unemployment above 10% and fixed rates on mortgages above 10%. It helps to keep a little perspective on the situation in the US.

Rising costs just forces me to be smarter about purchases, gas usage, setting thermostat temperatures. It also means that I'll probably pick up a summer school teaching gig this June to add to the cash flow.

In essence, I have to become less lazy and lackadasical about finance. I may not be happy about rising prices, but whining about it does little good and only annoys those around me.