Watching constant price increases is starting to get old. I know that inflation levels are dropping, but they’re not happening fast enough to slow the increase of prices at the grocery store. My favorite french fries have doubled in price compared to how much they cost a year ago. Eggs have tripled in price over the same span of time. I can’t imagine how you’re supposed to afford many of these prices unless you’re wealthy, but even then I don’t know how you could get the money together. Expenses for everyone are going up, especially insurance premiums and interest rates. I know that many business owners are facing tough hurdles balancing rising worker wages, utilities, and general expenses. My plumber is charging at least 30% more for service calls and quick fixes. I know that the heating and cooling company is doing the same exact thing. All of their prices have increased, including the cost of HVAC service contracts. The last time I signed up for my annual service contract with the HVAC company, it was only $150 for two visits within a 12 month period. Now those same services cost $189. There might be some people who aren’t bothered by this price increase, but I’m not one of the people that can easily shoulder the cost. I paid it regardless, but now I’m out of my extra money for the month and it’s hard to juggle my bills in this kind of state. I wish my HVAC company had raised their prices by half as much as they did. Those of us struggling the most financially wouldn’t be disadvantaged nearly as much if they were less extreme with the price increases on the service contracts.