Hot Topic #114:

'Tis the season of back-to-school sales! Whether you have kids or not, prices are up since before the pandemic, so plenty of Americans are looking for a bargain!

What is at the top of your shopping list right now?

Regular weekly shopping (like groceries)
A BIG purchase (like a car, computer, or cell phone)
Fall-related items (cozy autumn clothes or fall decor)
Back-to-school stuff for my kids (school supplies, clothes, or shoes)

Inflation is currently at 2.4% (way down from the 9% percent peak in June 2022), but prices are still 23.7% higher than they were before the pandemic.

If it's not inflation, why do you think everything is so expensive?

Corporations increased prices during the pandemic and never brought them back down
The new tariffs
Supply chain disrupted by wars
Political and economic instability
Corporations prioritizing making money over making products affordable

Thank you for sharing!

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