These days, looking at my credit card statement really wakes me up.

It seems like I'm spending about $400 more each month, even though I feel like I'm using the same amount as before.

Fortunately, apartment rents aren't skyrocketing like they used to, but it feels like everything else has gone up.

Gas prices, electricity bills, grocery costs, car repair expenses, insurance premiums, and dental costs have all increased significantly.

Items that I used to think, "I can just spend this much," now make me think twice before spending.

In the past, people said that the LA area was a bit expensive, but food and living costs felt relatively affordable.

I could buy the fruits I wanted at the market without hesitation, stock up on meat when it was on sale, and dining out was something I did without much thought.

But now, the atmosphere has completely changed. Picking up a few fruits at the grocery store makes me pause when I see the prices, and buying beef is now a burden compared to before. Dining out feels more like an event than a regular occurrence.

Car-related expenses are also significant. Changing a single tire is now shockingly more expensive than it used to be, and even basic maintenance costs a fair amount.

Car insurance premiums have been creeping up every year and have now become a serious burden. Especially in California, insurance companies are raising rates citing risk, which adds to the problem.

It's not just living costs that have risen. Families with children feel it even more.

Every little thing, from school supplies to clothes and snacks, has gone up, so a single shopping trip can end up costing more than expected.

When you add in cosmetics and personal items, it's natural to wonder, "What hasn't gone up?" Especially with dental costs, once you start treatment, it can easily run into thousands of dollars, making the saying that good maintenance saves money feel very real.

At this point, a natural thought arises: why have prices risen so much?

People say that everything has gone up except for my salary, and when asked for reasons, many point to the money that was released during the pandemic.

It's true that a large amount of money was injected into the market during that time, increasing liquidity.

While it was said to stimulate the economy, over time, it feels like that money has returned as inflation. Even people who already own homes and receive pensions were given money by the government, which has caused problems.

On top of that, supply chain issues, rising labor costs, and energy expenses have compounded to create the current situation.

The problem is that this doesn't seem like it will end anytime soon.

Once prices go up, they don't easily come down. While some items, like rent, may stabilize, overall, it feels like the structure of living costs has risen a level.

As a result, many people are not just trying to save money but are changing their consumption habits. They are dining out less, canceling subscription services, and only buying what they truly need.

Living in LA, one thing is clear. In the past, earning money would give you some breathing room, but now it feels like even when you earn, it's mostly spent just to maintain your lifestyle. If you're not careful with your spending, expenses can quickly spiral out of control.

Ultimately, the current situation is not just about things being "more expensive"; it feels like a point where we need to change our way of life.

Whether the cause is the money released during the pandemic or structural changes, prices have already risen. Now, it seems that how we endure and manage within this reality is becoming a more pressing issue.