If inflation’s up 3.9 percent, why does it feel worse?

“Between the gas pump and the grocery checkout, Americans have plenty of reasons to list inflation as Economic Enemy No. 1. But how bad is it, really? The short answer: bad enough, but don’t judge the problem only by what it costs to fill a fuel tank. It’s not surprising that many people feel as if inflation is running hotter than the government’s consumer price index (CPI) suggests: just under 4 percent over the past year. … Another cause for worry: Wages are not keeping up with inflation.” [editor’s note: When do they ever? - SAT] (05/15/08)