Dimes add up: Keep a sharp eye out; prices are still rising.

What happened to all those grandiose plans to see the price of gasoline drop?

And, have you noticed that prices are inching up at the grocery store, too?

Let's face facts: If you are not vigilant these days, you can find yourself watching more and more of your money slip away.

And that is the main reason you need to keep a close eye on Congress in the next few weeks.

The upcoming debate is not just about paying the nation's bills -- it is about trying to get its costs down. And that means that some of the spending has to stop.

It is clear, really. If you do not have the funds, you cannot keep buying like you do. That's how you end up in bankruptcy. And let's face it, the nation won't be paying its bills anyway if something is not done about the out of control budget.

And ignore the garbage about Social Security checks, by the way. Truth is, it is a political threat designed to force a quick decision and another throwing the ball down the road. It will delay dealing with the real problem -- the money coming in versus what is going out.

And watch, too, for the next spin. There are not enough millionaires and billionaires to fix this deficit. Want to guess whose fees and taxes might be next on the increase list?

The expense of living is a clue to the troubles that are going on in Washington.

We need to remain vigilant -- or face even slimmer wallets down the road.

Published in Editorials on January 17, 2013 10:39 AM