For the last 20 years, the cost of living has definitely risen. In literal terms, it cost more to live an adequate life in today's society or even to continue at a level of normalcy. Though technology has brought us a more convenient lifestyle, it did not come without a higher price.

For example, television has advanced from seven local stations to over 400 worldwide stations, but not without a cost. Working people pay for television now at the added expense of $70-120 per month. And though many people would argue that no one has to have cable television, it has become a social prerequisite to staying in touch with society.

Apartment complexes and newly built homes come "cable ready" thus signifying the social stigma associated with staying current. Another social stigma in the entertainment field since the 80s are VCRs, Camcorders, CDs, DVDs, and now Ipods and MP3 players. Again, no one actually needs these for survival in life, but without possessing at least the basics, a person will quickly fall out of the social loop.

Entertainment is but a small matter where it pertains to staying socially and technologically savvy, a person today without a fax machine, cell-phone, computer or an Internet connection lose out on opportunities that wait for no one, such as online job seeking, banking transactions, quick networking connections, and much needed information that at one time was only available by taking a 2 hour trip downtown or to the nearest library.

Speaking of bureaucracy, city and state agencies have switched to computer and Internet technology to maintain their daily operations and those who are not up to technological par, fall to second and third in the social line of customer service. From social services to city services such as bill paying, taxes, auto and license renewal, and utility payments, all are slowly migrating toward the way of the cyber world.

Electronic welfare payments and child support payments directly into banking accounts have left many needy families behind for lack of proper credentials, credit ratings and identification. The paper world has made way for a cashless, faceless society. The banking industry has drawn a line between the middle-class and working poor as to who they will lend to or allow to bank with them.

As many run to and fro and knowledge increases, the tie that binds people is being replaced with individual lust and customized passions. Companies feed these desires at nominal cost and fees and make policies that the public can no longer argue against because of state and government protection. Power, gas-heating, and telephone companies change what they want however they want and leave little recourse for the average customer.

Many will argue that this country has never had it any better than now but at what cost have we gained these conveniences. At the cost of little free time for self and or family because of paying off debt by working two and three jobs. Paying off debt for schooling - that many countries offer for free - in order to compete in the degree demanding job market.

Once hired, one has to submit to higher than normal health insurance for an individual let alone a family. Health and car insurance has risen because of felonious lawsuits awarded by new-age liberal judges. Court cost and traffic fines have risen, auto taxes, property taxes, gas prices, all accompanied by hidden fees, sur-charges, overdrafts, over charging, bank errors, computer glitches, double billing, interest; initial deposits, set-up fees, late fees; have all contributed to the higher cost of living.

In addition to the needed cost of living, society has to deal with scams and cons by seemly legitimate business. Auto mechanics, home repairs and services, maintenance warranties, all add to the cost of living and surviving. Though there are weekend sales, no-interest until 2020, no down payments, rebates, coupons, discounts, waivers, free-checking, payment plans, credit and the choice not to partake in any of life's now necessities, how much are we really saving?

To live today a person has to know the society in which they live and how it operates. They have to understand technology to a point and partake in that technology if they want to make any real advancement. They have to have skills, a network of associates, and a marketing plan just to have a chance at earning a decent living. In 20 years, we have advanced alright, from simplicity to complexity, and without today's "luxuries," just try living the simple life.

© July 2006 by CR Hamilton