Consumers Squeezed by Food and Gas Prices

If it feels that you have less money left over for luxuries, here's why: Prices for groceries, gasoline, healthcare, and other staples have risen 9.2 percent since 2006, according to the Washington Post. During the same period, income for nonmanagerial workers has risen only 5 percent. The one sliver of good news? Prices for what might be considered indulgences, such as restaurant meals, alcohol, new cars, furniture, and clothing, have gone up by 2.4 percent. So if you do have any money remaining after feeding yourself and your gas tank, a dinner out might be affordable.