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Home > Costs Just Keep Going Up

Costs Just Keep Going Up

October 8th, 2022 at 06:55 pm

I received a packet from my former employer with information on the new health care premium costs starting 1/1/23. My health/prescription/dental and vision plans premium total will be increasing monthly by $86.56. Ouch. The only good news is that the vision plan is a different one that is way better then the old one. I should be able to save quite a bit on my next pair of new glasses. 

My utility costs (gas and electric) has increased from 7.820 cents/kWh to 9.773 cents/kWh starting 10/1/22. It is set to increase again at the end of May 2023. Another Ouch. I don't know how this will look in dollars on actual bill yet but surely it will go up!

My cell phone switch to Mint Mobile from Verizon has been a failure. The coverage is terrible. Since I no longer have a landline I need reliable cell service, and this really hit home with the recent loss of my SIL. I was not receiving really important calls and texts. When things settle down a bit I will be switching to something more reliable and upgrading my phone. More expenses and aggravation

I stopped at the grocery store today and the regular price for an 18 count of large sized, store brand eggs is up to $4.99. I have posted many times that I can get them for .99 cents when I use 100 points on my store club card. Today, that discounted price is up to $1.49. Still, a great discount but less then before. 

And the price of gas is going back up. 

The only thing that isn't going up is my monthly income.

My sister and BIL are still here (staying with me until probably Thursday when they will head back to Texas). As much as I miss her when she isn't here, I am looking forward to some peace and quiet and getting back to my routines. My sister is a true "Type A"personality, always in motion, never sits still, and I am the complete opposite! 

The weather here in Maryland has been very cold and rainy (needed to turn on the heat cold) but then warmed back up for a few days. Now it is cooling down again , but it is sunny.

 

6 Responses to “Costs Just Keep Going Up”

  1. Lots of ideas Says:
    1665266413

    The price increases are scary.
    I think that they will come down after the election no matter what happens, so I am reserving my fear until then.
    I know you are retired, but have you thought about picking up a part time job? Everyone seems to be hiring.

  2. Wink Says:
    1665269313

    Lots of Ideas: If I absolutely could not make ends meet, I would go back to work. I'm not there yet. I retired when I did because I was totally mentally exhausted and stressed out and my health was suffering. Even the thought of having to go back, even part time, makes me somewhat anxious!

  3. Amber Says:
    1665291237

    I’m sorry about your loss.

    Yes, everything is much higher now, I find some places still blaming COVID.
    Regarding the cellphone, I’m with AT&T, it’s a bit pricey but the service is great.

  4. CB in the City Says:
    1665328792

    That's interesting to hear about Mint Mobile. Have you tried Consumer Cellular? It's pretty reasonable, and they use the major networks. And the customer service is great!

  5. rob62521 Says:
    1665347182

    CB beat me to it, but I was going to ask about Consumer Cellular. It's through AT &T as a carrier. You can pick and choose plans as well as phones.

    I hear you and second it on the rising costs. It is just downright scary how much stuff is. A friend and I were talking about how much we are spending at the grocery stores each week and each week it is going up. Plus, our health insurance has gone up. Mine wasn't a huge increase, but it all adds up when you don't get a huge raise in pensions.

    I totally understand the stress of working and the idea of going back to work unless you absolutely have to. I visited a friend yesterday who had surgery. She looked at me closely and said I looked healthier than I have ever looked in all the years she has known me. I said it's amazing what the lack of stress can do for one -- I've lost some weight, my hair which is thin and fine to begin with has begun to get a little better, and I don't feel like crap all the time. I have time to cook healthy meals and can rest when I need to. Life is too short to kill oneself for a job if one doesn't have to.

  6. LivingAlmostLarge Says:
    1665428725

    I am so sorry about your SIL still. I totally get about having a reliable cell phone service.

    The price of food is just insane.

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