They do say that the middle class is being wiped out... there will be (as someone else here put it) those who have and those who have not.
Gas here is now OVER $3.50 a gallon. I never really paid that much attention to the price of food, but I do see my overall bill going up up up. What used to be around $70 is now about $200. I am also one who shops fresh and does not buy snacks at home, but Ive switched from fresh veggies to frozen veggies. Ive stopped eating a lot of meat and eating more rice or potatoes to fill up. I just feel sooooo bad for people with kids. Its got to be so hard. Ive already decided that I won't run the AC in the house or car to save on gas and the electric bill. Ive stopped buying bottled water and other 'luxury' items. My condo fees just keep going up. Im almost at a breaking point here financially!
I guess I know what my parents went through in the 80s recession with 3 kids! UGH!