Think of it like your household budget. If you suddenly found that the cost of groceries had jumped by more than a third, would you be able to afford everything you need?

The latest Consumer Price Index report shows US inflation has skyrocketed to 3.3%, fueled in large part by threats of war against Iran and lingering impacts from previous trade disputes.

Back when I was teaching, my classes used to discuss how rising prices affect every aspect of our lives—from groceries to utilities to healthcare costs. But what's happening now is different; it feels like the ground underfoot is shifting.

The official story goes that this uptick in inflation is due to global market fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties. But when you dig a little deeper, it becomes clear that these increases are also being driven by policies put into place over recent years.

Imagine if your monthly expenses kept creeping up, squeezing out necessities like school supplies or medicine for an elderly parent. That's what's happening to millions of American families right now as the cost of living keeps rising faster than wages.

This kind of economic pressure isn't just about today; it's about tomorrow and the day after that. What does this mean for our children and grandchildren?

Overnight, things have become so expensive, I couldn’t help but wonder how families are managing to keep up. My late husband always said, 'You can’t eat an index.' It’s a stark reminder of what these numbers actually represent: real people struggling.

I stayed up last night thinking about this—about the future we’re setting for our kids and grandkids who will have to deal with these consequences. The thought is heartbreaking.

So, how do we move forward? It's time for all of us to take a hard look at what’s happening in our economy and decide where we stand on policies that affect our financial security.