womenonmoney-blog

[womenonmoney-blog]

Six women share wit and wisdom about financing retirement, in a panel discussion to be held in Novato, CA, 5:30-7 p.m. Wed. Nov. 8.  Shown above left to right are four of the panelists, Kathleen Nemetz, Certified Financial Planner; Georgeana Roussos, Social Security Attorney, Homa Rassouli, reverse mortgage banker, and Roberta diPrete, real estate broker. Not shown are Karen Hawkey, communty banker; and Ellen Nicosia, executive with Lilypad Homes. To register visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/social-security-and-retirement-income-tickets-38256218379.

[womenonmoney-blog]

Why your wallet feels thinner

If you are feeling poorer when you check out at the gas pump, supermarket, and drugstore, you are not alone. Purchases which once cost under $10 are now easily topping that number. So no wonder the routine buys of laundry detergent, toilet paper, and facial cleansing products are clearing out your small bills and pocket change, and forcing you to grab the plastic.

Angry at what seemed to be a sudden rise in the sale prices of seemingly innocuous items, I decided recently to do a price comparison of recurring purchases at various local markets and drugstores. What a surprise.

While most consumers are accustomed to driving around a block, corner or even to another freeway exit to buy cheaper gas, few people are doing the same for routine purchases of their favorite household brands for laundry or personal care.  In California, where I live, we already have a state income tax and a separate sales tax far exceeding those in most states. Who knew that retail prices also were much higher? In the Bay Area, the cost of living is reported to be at least 35% higher than the national average. San Francisco’s consumer price index is reported to be even higher.

So it may pay actually to shop the little stuff too. You may accumulate enough savings to buy yourself a nice bottle of wine. Or even pay down a credit card bill.

I will be publishing a list of what I found shortly. I am still doing the comparison shopping in my neighborhood, but boy, have I noticed some big swings. Added up over a period of a month these price differences could account for an extra $150 to $200 of monthly spend, if one isn’t careful. Watch that pocketbook, gals. The retailers think we don’t notice. And by the way, personal care items aimed at women seem to have more price differential than those for men.

See more about my blogs on www.life-as-planned.com.