Drawing the Line On Price Increases

©iStock/gokhanilgaz

Yesterday, I debated on whether to buy a box of De Cecco 16-oz. premium, authentic Italian linguine for $3.79!  I couldn't believe it.  I can get a similar box of pasta for 99¢ at Walmart.  Not made in Italy mind you but pretty darn good.  

Take this story. When Shannon Johnson-George’s personal laptop went bust in February, she decided not to spend the roughly $1,000 it would cost to replace it. She plans to rewear an old dress for her son’s college graduation next month after being shocked by the $100-plus prices at the online retailers she frequents. Yet over the next five months, the 40-year-old from Cincinnati has a Disney cruise, a visit to Lake Erie and a trip to New Orleans for a Bruno Mars concert booked.  

Struggling?  Not so much.  Cutting back?  Yes.  

People are spending money on things they will remember, precious memories, like a Disney cruise or Bruno Mars concert.

Across the American economy, consumers are making similar calculations.

Having De Cecco pasta doesn't fall into the bucket list of a precious memory for me so I skipped that brand and went for the 99¢ product. The wine made all the difference 😋.